France’s trade ministry criticized what it deemed “unacceptable” US interference after the American embassy in Paris issued letters to several French companies. These letters contained warnings against the use of diversity programs known as “DEI,” which have frequently been opposed by former President Donald Trump.
The letters were sent to French firms engaged in or seeking business with the United States and included a questionnaire. This questionnaire asked companies to certify that they do not implement programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The questionnaire, which was obtained by AFP, stated that such programs violate applicable federal anti-discrimination laws in the US, where Trump reinstated a ban on federal DEI programs immediately after commencing his second term as president.
Already agitated by increased tariffs imposed by Trump, France’s foreign trade ministry responded to this development. The ministry stated, “US interference in French companies’ inclusion policies is unacceptable, just like its unjustified tariff threats. France and Europe will defend their companies, their consumers, but also their values.”
DEI programs, intended to provide opportunities for historically excluded groups such as Blacks and women, have faced criticism from Trump and his supporters, who argue they are discriminatory and contradict meritocracy principles.
According to a report first released by Le Figaro, the letter stipulated that Trump’s executive order against DEI programs, issued on January 20, “also applies to all contractors and suppliers of the US government, regardless of nationality or location.” Companies were given a five-day deadline to complete, sign, and return the questionnaire.
The office of Economy Minister Eric Lombard commented on the letter, stating it “reflects the values of the new US government,” further adding, “They are not ours. The minister will remind his US counterparts of that.”
The extent of the letters’ distribution remained unclear, with the French economy ministry estimating “a few dozen” companies had received them, but without a definitive count. The US embassy had not provided a response to inquiries for comment at the time.
Reportedly, the letter was not issued on US embassy letterhead, casting doubts about its official status. Christopher Mesnooh, an American business lawyer in Paris, asserted to AFP that the US government cannot compel French companies to comply with its laws, and stated that “French companies won’t now be required to apply US labor law or federal law against affirmative action policies.”
In France, most affirmative action policies are prohibited, as the country bans treatment based on origin, ethnic group, or religion. Despite this, many large companies have taken steps to diversify their recruitment strategies. Additionally, French law mandates that companies with over 1,000 employees must promote gender equality, with specific benchmarks such as having at least 30 percent female executives.
The conditions outlined in the US letter could place French companies at risk of contravening French law should they comply. Amir Reza-Tofighi, head of the French business group CPME, condemned the letter as an “attack on the sovereignty” of France and urged solidarity among political and business leaders in resisting it. Gerard Re, representing the French labor confederation CGT, called on the government to instruct companies against adopting policies detrimental to gender equality or the fight against racism.
