Overview

• The Trump administration has sent letters to European companies with U.S. government contracts, demanding compliance with an executive order banning DEI programs.
• French officials, including Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, expressed shock at the demand and announced plans to engage with the U.S. embassy for clarification.
• Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister Jan Jambon and other officials have firmly rejected the directive, emphasizing Europe's commitment to nondiscrimination policies.
• The French Economy Ministry revealed that dozens of companies received letters requiring certification of non-compliance with DEI initiatives or detailed explanations for refusal.
• The dispute adds to existing tensions in U.S.-Europe relations, including tariff threats and broader policy disagreements, with no public response yet from the Trump administration.