The Trump administration has turned its sights on French companies working with the U.S. government, demanding they comply with his executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs—a move that underscores Washington’s growing extraterritorial influence over European businesses.
The demand was delivered in a questionnaire titled “Certification Regarding Compliance With Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Law”, which companies were asked to complete and return within five days. French newspaper Le Figaro published a copy of the letter, while Les Echos first reported the news late Friday.
The Trump administration’s stance on DEI has already shaken up U.S. corporations, but this latest push could force foreign firms to reconsider their own policies—especially those reliant on U.S. government contracts.
“Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunities, 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 states.
Notably, French telecom giant Orange—which has no operations in the U.S.—received the letter, while defense electronics firm Thales and energy giant TotalEnergies, both of which do operate in the U.S., did not.
Backlash from Paris
The move has sparked outrage in France, with the country’s Ministry of Foreign Trade slamming it as “unacceptable.”
“American interference in the inclusion policies of French companies, along with threats of unjustified tariffs, is unacceptable,” the ministry stated. “France and Europe will defend their businesses, their consumers, and also their values.”
It remains unclear whether similar letters have been sent to other European companies, but the controversy adds to the mounting transatlantic tensions sparked by Trump’s tariff threats and security demands.
As the U.S. president expands his war on DEI policies beyond American borders, European boardrooms are now left wondering: How far will Washington’s reach extend?Trump Extends Anti-DEI Crackdown to French Companies with U.S. Contracts
The Trump administration has turned its sights on French companies working with the U.S. government, demanding they comply with his executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs—a move that underscores Washington’s growing extraterritorial influence over European businesses.
The demand was delivered in a questionnaire titled “Certification Regarding Compliance With Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Law”, which companies were asked to complete and return within five days. French newspaper Le Figaro published a copy of the letter, while Les Echos first reported the news late Friday.
America First, Even in France?
The Trump administration’s stance on DEI has already shaken up U.S. corporations, but this latest push could force foreign firms to reconsider their own policies—especially those reliant on U.S. government contracts.
“Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunities, 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 states.
Notably, French telecom giant Orange—which has no operations in the U.S.—received the letter, while defense electronics firm Thales and energy giant TotalEnergies, both of which do operate in the U.S., did not.
