France’s foreign trade minister has expressed strong opposition to letters sent by the US embassy in Paris, urging French companies to abandon diversity programs.
The letters, part of a wider crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by Donald Trump and his supporters, were sent to dozens of French firms doing business with the US.
These letters included a questionnaire asking companies to confirm they do not operate programs promoting DEI. Such initiatives aim to create opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, including women and people of color. Trump and his allies argue that DEI policies are discriminatory and go against merit-based systems.
French officials have pushed back against this demand. The economy ministry stated that Trump’s stance on DEI does not reflect France’s values. The foreign trade minister announced plans to engage with US officials to clarify the purpose behind the letters, questioning the US’s attempt to influence French business practices.
French authorities see the move as a challenge to their legal framework, which supports workplace equality and anti-discrimination policies. Inclusion efforts, especially those focused on gender equality, disability rights, and anti-racism, align with both French and European laws. The minister emphasized that these principles are central to France’s identity and will not be abandoned.
French business leaders have also rejected the US position. The head of Medef, the country’s largest employer federation, stated that French companies will not turn away from inclusion policies. The issue adds to growing concerns over US attempts to impose its regulations beyond its borders, this time targeting corporate values.