Francia Denounces U.S. Interference Over Diversity Programs
French government expresses strong disapproval of U.S. embassy warnings to companies regarding inclusion initiatives.
PARIS, FRANCE - The French government condemned what it termed an "unacceptable" interference by the United States this Saturday, following reports that the U.S. embassy in Paris sent warning letters to several French companies regarding their diversity programs.
These letters were aimed at businesses that either have dealings with the United States or seek to establish such relations.
The correspondence, which included a questionnaire, asked companies to certify that they do not have programs to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion.
According to access obtained by AFP, the questionnaire indicated that initiatives focusing on these areas could be viewed as violating U.S. federal anti-discrimination laws.
This action is seen as part of a broader directive from U.S. President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order on January 20 prohibiting such programs, soon after beginning his second term in office.
Frustration in France has been mounting in light of Trump's recent imposition of new tariffs on imports.
The French Ministry of Foreign Trade strongly criticized the U.S. measures, stating, "The interference of the United States in the inclusion policies of French companies is unacceptable, just as are the unjustified tariff threats." The ministry emphasized that France and Europe would defend not only their businesses and consumers but also their values.
In the United States, diversity, equality, and inclusion programs—aimed at providing opportunities to historically marginalized groups, such as Black individuals and women—have faced significant backlash from Trump and his supporters, who view such initiatives as unfair.
The letter, published by the newspaper Le Figaro, clarified that Trump’s executive order applies to all contractors and suppliers to the U.S. government, regardless of their nationality or country of operation.
The office of the French Minister of Economy, Éric Lombard, remarked that the letter reflects the values of the current U.S. administration, stating, "[These values] are not ours." The minister plans to communicate this message to U.S. counterparts.
Attempts by AFP to obtain a comment from the U.S. embassy were met with no response at the time of reporting.
These letters were aimed at businesses that either have dealings with the United States or seek to establish such relations.
The correspondence, which included a questionnaire, asked companies to certify that they do not have programs to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion.
According to access obtained by AFP, the questionnaire indicated that initiatives focusing on these areas could be viewed as violating U.S. federal anti-discrimination laws.
This action is seen as part of a broader directive from U.S. President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order on January 20 prohibiting such programs, soon after beginning his second term in office.
Frustration in France has been mounting in light of Trump's recent imposition of new tariffs on imports.
The French Ministry of Foreign Trade strongly criticized the U.S. measures, stating, "The interference of the United States in the inclusion policies of French companies is unacceptable, just as are the unjustified tariff threats." The ministry emphasized that France and Europe would defend not only their businesses and consumers but also their values.
In the United States, diversity, equality, and inclusion programs—aimed at providing opportunities to historically marginalized groups, such as Black individuals and women—have faced significant backlash from Trump and his supporters, who view such initiatives as unfair.
The letter, published by the newspaper Le Figaro, clarified that Trump’s executive order applies to all contractors and suppliers to the U.S. government, regardless of their nationality or country of operation.
The office of the French Minister of Economy, Éric Lombard, remarked that the letter reflects the values of the current U.S. administration, stating, "[These values] are not ours." The minister plans to communicate this message to U.S. counterparts.
Attempts by AFP to obtain a comment from the U.S. embassy were met with no response at the time of reporting.
