A directive targeting French companies with US government contracts has raised concerns about the widening reach of President Donald Trump's policies abroad. With transatlantic relations already under strain, French officials are pushing back, questioning the implications of Washington’s hardline approach.
The Trump administration has issued a directive to French companies holding US government contracts, instructing them to comply with an executive order that bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes.
The firms have reportedly been asked to confirm their compliance by completing a separate questionnaire entitled "Certification Regarding Compliance With Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Law."
This move is likely to ruffle feathers in European boardrooms, as concerns mount that the Trump administration is expanding its crackdown on DEI initiatives beyond US borders.
The directive comes at a time when President Donald Trump's stance on tariffs and security cooperation has already shaken transatlantic relations.
French business daily Les Echos first reported on Friday that the letter had been dispatched to firms by the US mission in Paris, posting on X: "Several dozen French companies have received a letter from the US embassy".
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According to a version published by French newspaper Le Figaro the letter states: "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 US government, regardless of their nationality or the country in which they operate".
The letter further requests that recipients sign and return the document in English within five days.
"If you do not agree to sign this document, we would appreciate if you could provide detailed reasons, which we will forward to our legal services," it adds, referring to the certification seen.
The US embassy in Paris has yet to comment on the matter.
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Reaction from France
The directive has sparked a strong reaction in France. A senior official close to Finance Minister Eric Lombard indicated that the French government would be addressing the issue with US authorities.
"This practice reflects the values of the new US administration. They are not the same as ours. The minister will make this clear to his counterparts in Washington," the official told the Reuters news agency.
It has yet to be confirmed which companies received the letter, though media reports suggest that defence and infrastructure firms could be among those affected.
It also remains unclear whether similar letters and questionnaires have been sent to other European nations.
Trump has made eliminating DEI initiatives a priority, arguing that such programmes are themselves discriminatory – a stance that continues to fuel debate both in the US and internationally.
