The Trump administration is expanding its anti-DEI initiative to European companies, sending letters to firms in France and the European Union that hold U.S. government contracts. The letters warn these companies that, in order to maintain their contracts, they must comply with an executive order prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The document instructs contractors with the U.S. Department of State to certify that they do not operate DEI programs that violate any applicable anti-discrimination laws. The certification is deemed crucial for government payment decisions and subject to the False Claims Act. The letters, sent by U.S. embassies in Paris and across the EU, also include a questionnaire requiring companies to confirm their adherence to federal anti-discrimination laws. The existence of the letters was initially reported by French business daily *Les Echos*.
These letters have reached various sectors, including aviation, defense, consulting, and infrastructure companies, which could face consequences if they fail to meet the administration’s demands. This move coincides with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission notifying Walt Disney and its ABC unit of an impending investigation into the company’s DEI initiatives.
The French finance ministry has expressed concerns, stating that the U.S. government’s approach does not align with French values. This development highlights rising tensions between the U.S. and Europe, exacerbated by issues like the potential imposition of tariffs on European goods, such as cars and wine, and disagreements over policies like the invasion of Ukraine.
