Paris accuses US of ‘interference’ in French firms’ DEI policies
France’s Ministry of Foreign Trade has denounced a request by Washington that French companies working with the US government eliminate their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, calling it “unacceptable interference” in a statement to AFP on Saturday.
The statement came after French media outlets reported that the US embassy in Paris sent letters to several companies urging them to end internal anti-discrimination policies. The request follows a January executive order by US President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives across federal agencies and contractors.
According to Le Figaro, French firms working with the US were given five days to scrap their DEI or explain in writing why they could not. Each letter reportedly included a “compliance form” and warned that failure to meet the new requirements could result in larger customs duties or even the termination of US government contracts.
“American interference in the DEI policies of French companies, such as threats of unjustified customs duties, is unacceptable,” the French Trade Ministry told AFP. “France and Europe will defend their businesses, their consumers, but also their values.”
While the US embassy has not confirmed the request, the French Economy Ministry estimated that “dozens” of companies could have received the notification, including a number of telecommunications firms.
A senior Finance Ministry official earlier told Le Figaro that while the changes “reflect the values of the new American government,” those values “are not ours.” French Economy Minister Eric Lombard reportedly intends to raise the matter with his American counterparts.
Since taking office, Trump has signed several executive orders targeting DEI initiatives, claiming such programs foster discrimination. While he cannot legally force private firms to comply, the administration has pressured contractors to align with federal policy. Major US companies, such as Amazon, Walmart, Meta, and Ford have already either scaled back or scrapped DEI initiatives in response to the new rules.
