US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered major European companies to follow Washington’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Since the US government already enforces these policies in federal departments, it now seeks compliance from foreign businesses as well.

US Embassies Demand Compliance

To ensure adherence, the US embassy in Paris and others across Europe sent letters to foreign companies. According to Financial Times, these letters stated that any company providing services to the US government must follow Trump’s anti-diversity order.

Furthermore, embassies also sent a questionnaire requiring companies to confirm compliance. The document specifically stated, “Department of State contractors must certify that they do not operate any programs promoting DEI that violate any applicable anti-discrimination laws and agree that such certification is material for purposes of the government’s payment decision and therefore subject to the False Claims Act.”

Additionally, US diplomats forwarded the letter to companies in Eastern Europe and Belgium. This move signaled a broader effort to enforce Trump’s stance against DEI.

US Expands Anti-DEI Efforts to Foreign Companies

Previously, the Trump administration targeted DEI programs in U.S. organizations, including Disney. Now, it is extending these restrictions to foreign businesses that collaborate with the U.S. government. As a result, international companies must align with Washington’s policies or risk losing government contracts.

French Officials and Businesses React

In response, the French government objected to the letter sent to its companies. A close associate of Economy Minister Eric Lombard stated, “This practice reflects the values of the new US government. They are not the same as ours. The ministry will remind his counterparts in the US government of that.”

Similarly, a Paris-based banker expressed shock, saying, “It’s crazy . . . but everything is now possible. The rule of the strongest now prevails.”

DEI in France Faces Legal Barriers

Unlike the US, France has strict laws on racial and ethnic data collection. Since employers cannot consider an applicant’s background when hiring or promoting, DEI programs have little traction in the country.

Ultimately, the Trump administration’s latest move may strain relations with European nations, which approach workplace diversity differently.