Overview

• The Trump administration has required French companies with U.S. government contracts to certify compliance with an executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
• French officials, including Economy Minister Eric Lombard and Equality Minister Aurore Bergé, have criticized the directive as interference and an attack on French sovereignty.
• The directive has sparked legal concerns, as compliance with the U.S. order may violate French anti-discrimination laws that mandate gender equality benchmarks.
• The U.S. Embassy in Paris has not confirmed the authenticity of the letter, which was reportedly sent to several French firms, with a five-day deadline for compliance.
• France and European allies have vowed to defend their values and businesses, further straining transatlantic relations already tense over trade disputes.