France: US Embassy in Paris Taking Heat Over Letter to French Companies

There is a diplomatic flap brewing between the US and France-not to mention other EU member countries, over a letter (in this case) from the US Embassy in Paris to several French companies doing business with the US government telling them that they must end all diversity and/or affirmative action programs if they want to continue business with the US. This is all reportedly connected to Executive Order 14173, signed by President Trump on January 21, 2025, mandating an end to DEI-related programs within the federal government. The order can be viewed here. (I see nothing in the language of this order that refers to foreign enterprises doing business with the US government.)

I hope there is more to the story than what I have seen thus far. On its surface, this appears to be an act of extreme arrogance on the part of our embassy in Paris (and any other embassies sending out such letters). The reaction in France is one of anger, which I can well understand. 

I am tempted to say to the US Embassy in Paris that diplomacy starts at home. Frankly, I am surprised and disappointed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would allow such a letter to be sent out. Was this his interpretation of the executive order, or did the President or someone else in the White House mandate this?

Coupled with Vice President Vance’s ill-advised trip to Greenland and his comments about Denmark in a speech to US  troops there, this has not been a good week for the US diplomatically. In the above-described issue, what business do we have dictating to foreign companies how their diversity programs should be? In the case of Greenland, there may be legitimate concerns about security in that region, but these could have been settled amicably in diplomatic negotiations held behind closed doors. After all, Denmark is a NATO ally. All we have accomplished is to stiffen their backs.

But back to France: The below article in Le Figaro is translated by Fousesquawk.

Le Figaro with Agence France Presse

Posted 29 March 2025 at 18:06, updated 29 March 2025 at 19:44

Several French companies have received a letter from the American Embassy telling them to eliminate their diversity programs as soon as possible if they wish to continue doing business with the (US) federal government).

A diplomatic crisis between France and the US is developing. On Saturday, the French Ministry of Foreign Commerce denounced “American interference” after the sending of a message from the US Embassy to several French companies telling them to eliminate their diversity programs as soon as possible if they wish to continue doing business with the (US) federal government.

“American interference in the policies of inclusion of French companies, as well as the unjustified threats of Customs tariffs, are unacceptable,” stated the Ministry in a press release transmitted to Agence France Presse. “France and Europe will defend their companies, their consumers, and also their values,” the Ministry continues in the context of strong commercial tensions between the US and Europe.

“This practice reflects the values of the new American government”

Several French companies have received a message from the US Embassy asking them about the existence of internal anti-discrimination programs, which could prevent them from working with the American (government). The recipients of the message were informed of the fact that Order 14173, issued by Donald Trump from the first day of his return to the White House to end programs promoting equal opportunity within the federal government, “also have to apply to all providers and service providers to the American government,” as shown in a document revealed Friday by Le Figaro. 

Companies associated by a commercial contract with the US Government would be under obligation to break with policies of (affirmative action) that may be currently in place. “This practice reflects the values of the new American government,” the entourage of Minister of Economy, Eric Lombard reacted Friday. “These are not ours,” added the cabinet of Bercy* in its reaction transmitted to the press, noting that “the minister will remind his counterparts within the American government”. Queried by Agence France Presse, the US Embassy in Paris has not immediately responded. 

*Bercy: Neighborhood in Paris where the Ministry of Economy is located.

Source: http://garyfouse.blogspot.com/2025/03/france-us-embassy-in-paris-taking-heat.html