The French Economy Ministry has reported that numerous companies have received letters from the U.S. prompting them to disavow diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These initiatives are crucial for supporting historically marginalized groups and have faced criticism in the U.S. under Trump's administration. French officials, including Economy Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, are concerned about the implications of such requests, viewing them as contrary to French law and values related to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Protests have also erupted in Spain regarding similar letters sent to Spanish businesses.
French Economy Minister Eric Lombard's office has said Trump views of DEI "are not ours". Saint-Martin struck a similar note on Monday, saying such letters were tantamount to asking companies "to renounce the inclusion policies" that are in line with French or European law.
We are proud of this and we do not want to compromise on this," Saint-Martin said, adding the request was "a further step in American extra-territoriality, this time in the field of values."
Over the weekend Americans in Spain staged protests after the American Embassy in Spain sent similar letters to Spanish businesses and community groups.
"We are going to have a discussion with the United States embassy in France about this because we need to understand what the real intention behind this letter is," minister Laurent Saint-Martin told broadcaster RTL.
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