An order aimed at French businesses with US government agreements has sparked worries about the expanding influence of President Donald Trump’s policies overseas. With transatlantic ties already under pressure, French authorities are resisting, raising questions about the consequences of Washington’s firm stance.
The Trump administration has released an order to French companies holding US government contracts, directing them to adhere to an executive mandate that prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The companies have allegedly been requested to verify their compliance by filling out a separate survey titled “Certification Regarding Compliance With Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Law.”
This action is likely to irritate European boardrooms, as worries grow that the Trump administration is broadening its crackdown on DEI initiatives beyond US borders. The directive arrives at a time when President Donald Trump’s position on tariffs and security collaboration has already disturbed transatlantic relations. French business newspaper Les Echos first revealed on Friday that the letter had been sent to companies by the US mission in Paris, posting on X:
“Several dozen French companies have received a letter from the US embassy.”
According to a version released by the French newspaper Le Figaro, the letter states:
“We notify you that Executive Order 14173 – Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunities – signed by President Trump, applies to all vendors and service providers of the US government, regardless of their nationality or the country in which they operate.”
The letter further asks that recipients sign and return the document in English within five days. “If you do not agree to sign this document, we would appreciate it if you could provide detailed reasons, which we will send to our legal services,” it adds, referring to the certification observed.
Reaction from France
The directive has triggered a strong response in France. A senior official close to Finance Minister Eric Lombard suggested that the French government would be discussing the matter with US authorities.
“This approach reflects the principles of the new US administration. They are not the same as ours. The minister will make this clear to his counterparts in Washington,” the official told the Reuters news agency. It has yet to be verified which companies received the letter, though media reports indicate that defence and infrastructure companies could be among those impacted. It also remains uncertain whether similar letters and questionnaires have been sent to other European countries.
Trump has made removing DEI initiatives a priority, claiming that such programs are inherently discriminatory – a position that continues to ignite debate both in the US and globally.
