European Leaders Condemn US Diversity Restrictions as Diplomatic Rift Deepens

President Trump's global enforcement of DEI bans faces growing resistance from European governments, with France and Spain rejecting compliance demands as violations of their laws and values.

• The US government is enforcing a January 2025 executive order globally, requiring suppliers and contractors to comply with new restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
• France and Spain have publicly rejected the US demands, citing conflicts with their anti-discrimination laws and warning companies of legal consequences for compliance.
• US embassies worldwide have issued compliance questionnaires to local suppliers, asking them to confirm adherence to the DEI bans, sparking backlash in Europe.
• European officials, including French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin and Barcelona's Mayor Jaume Collboni, have criticized the US directive as undermining diversity and inclusion principles central to European values.
• The US State Department has yet to respond to requests for clarification, leaving the issue unresolved and escalating tensions between the US and its European allies.

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