Donald Trump has ordered French companies with U.S. government contracts to comply with his executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This move shows how U.S. policies can affect businesses outside the country, including in Europe.
These companies were asked to confirm they are following the order by filling out a form called the “Certification Regarding Compliance With Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Law,” according to Reuters.
This action comes at a time of growing tensions between the U.S. and Europe, especially after Trump’s “America First” election campaign. It also raises questions about how these companies will adjust to the U.S. approach, which is different from the French way.
In the U.S., many companies have adopted DEI policies, tracking race and ethnicity data and setting diversity goals. But in France, laws prevent businesses from collecting such data, focusing more on gender and social background instead.
This move also worries some European business leaders who fear the Trump administration might push its DEI stance beyond the U.S. borders. Trump’s actions on tariffs and security policies have already strained relations with Europe.
French business newspaper Les Echos reported that the U.S. embassy in Paris sent out the requests to companies. The letter says that Trump’s executive order on ending discrimination applies to all U.S. government suppliers, no matter where they are based.
The letter reads: “We inform you that Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunities, signed by President Trump, applies to all suppliers and service providers of the U.S. Government, regardless of their nationality and the country in which they operate.”
The letter asks companies to complete the form in English within five days and email it back. If a company disagrees, it is asked to provide reasons, which will then be sent to U.S. legal services.
It’s unclear why only certain companies received the letter. A source confirmed that France’s state-run telecom company, Orange, which doesn’t have a presence in the U.S., got the request. On the other hand, companies like defense firm Thales and oil giant TotalEnergies, which operate in the U.S., did not receive it.
An official close to French Finance Minister Eric Lombard said the issue will be raised with the U.S. government. The official said, “This practice reflects the values of the new U.S. government. They are not the same as ours. The minister will remind his counterparts in the U.S. government of this.”
It’s still unclear whether other European countries’ companies received similar letters. The U.S. embassy did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
