Trump administration targets French companies over diversity programs

The Trump administration has sent a letter to several large French companies, urging them to comply with an executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. 

The letter, sent by the U.S. embassy in Paris, informs the companies that the executive order applies to foreign firms serving as suppliers or service providers to the American government, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The communication, which includes a questionnaire, requires companies to confirm their compliance with the order. The document, titled “Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Law,” mandates that companies certify they do not operate DEI programs that violate anti-discrimination laws. It also notes that failure to comply could affect government payment decisions and may be subject to the False Claims Act.

The letter and its contents suggest that the Trump administration is extending its crackdown on DEI programs beyond U.S. borders. This follows previous actions against U.S. companies, including media giants like Disney. A senior banker in Paris expressed surprise at the letter, calling the move “crazy” but noting that “everything is now possible” under the prevailing global economic power dynamics.

The French finance ministry has raised concerns over the U.S. government's actions, with some companies notifying the ministry about the letter. A source close to France’s economy minister, Eric Lombard, commented, “This practice reflects the values of the new US government. They are not the same as ours,” and noted that the ministry intends to remind U.S. counterparts of these differences.

This development comes amid growing tensions between the Trump administration and Europe, particularly over economic and security policies. The administration’s extraterritorial actions are seen as part of its broader shift away from traditional European allies, with significant implications for trade relations and Europe’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

French companies in sectors such as aviation, defense, consulting, and infrastructure could be among those affected, although it remains unclear which firms have received the letter. According to Les Échos, the letter ends with a request for companies to provide detailed reasons for non-compliance if they choose not to sign the certification document, which will be forwarded to the legal department for review.

On January 22, U.S. President Donald Trump canceled the diversity and inclusivity policies within the government. The executive order states that the administration of former President Joe Biden had "forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs" under the name DEI in areas ranging from flight safety to the military.

By Vugar Khalilov