France accuses US of undue influence over businesses with DEI policies
- A letter from U.S. diplomats to French companies indicated that Trump's DEI order applies globally.
- French Minister Aurore Bergé denounced this move as interference in French affairs.
- The French government is closely monitoring the situation and many companies plan to ignore the letter.
In the recent weeks, tensions have emerged between France and the United States following the U.S. Embassy's delivery of a letter to major French companies. This letter, attributed to an officer of the U.S. State Department, indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order, which mandates the termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government, extends its implications beyond the U.S. borders. French media outlets, including Le Figaro, reported the letter's contents, which stated that all nondomestic suppliers to the U.S. government must comply with this directive, including obtaining a certification form that confirms their adherence to these new requirements. This certification explicitly requests that companies affirm they do not maintain any DEI programs that conflict with federal anti-discrimination laws. Failure to comply could potentially lead to legal ramifications for those companies engaged with the U.S. government. This assertion of authority by the U.S. has raised significant alarm among French officials, who view it as an overreach into their business practices. Aurore Bergé, the French Minister for Equality, emphasized that the letter represents a blatant form of interference or a 'diktat' aimed at influencing the operational methodologies of French businesses. According to Bergé, many of the impacted companies are opting not to respond to what they perceive as an ultimatum from U.S. authorities. In addition, there is a concern that such actions could undermine France’s commitment to social progress and the promotion of equitable policies within its corporate environment. The French government is reportedly monitoring the situation closely to understand the extent of the impact on local companies and their responses to the U.S. directives. This diplomatic contention speaks volumes about transatlantic relations and highlights the complexities of international business practices amid evolving political landscapes.