US Embassy Pressures French Companies to Abandon Diversity Programs
French officials condemn the US Embassy's demands for compliance with Trump's Executive Order 14173 as an overreach and pledge to engage diplomatically.
- The US Embassy in Paris sent letters to French companies requiring confirmation of compliance with Executive Order 14173, which mandates the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
- French Finance Minister Eric Lombard criticized the move as inconsistent with European values and promised to address the issue with US officials.
- Some companies, such as Orange, received the letter despite having no US operations, while others like Thales and TotalEnergies, which operate in the US, did not receive it.
- Reports indicate similar demands were made to companies in Belgium and Eastern EU states, though no such actions have been reported in Germany.
- The French government and business leaders view the US actions as an unacceptable interference in domestic affairs, contributing to growing diplomatic and trade tensions between the US and Europe.
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