US embassies have sent letters to contractors based in their countries. The US is demanding certification that the contractors do not run diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that violate President Donald Trump’s executive order. The order prohibits race- and sex-based preferences.
All contractors of the US Department of State must comply. They must confirm that their certification is “material for purposes of the (US) government’s payment decision.” A certification form from the US embassy in Denmark, seen by CNN, confirms this.
Within the US, the Trump administration has dismantled DEI efforts. American companies are also under pressure to change or abandon such policies. Now, embassies are extending this crackdown beyond US borders. Trump is serious about these Left-liberal ideas, which actually divide people on the basis of race, colour and gender by dressing these divisive policies with DEI cloth.
The document asked recipients to complete, sign, and return a separate certification form within five days. The form, published by Le Figaro, states that all contractors must certify they do not run DEI programs that violate anti-discrimination laws.
The form includes a checkbox. Recipients must confirm that they “do not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.”
The letter adds: “If you do not agree to sign this document, we would appreciate it if you could provide detailed reasons, which we will forward to our legal services.”
The French media outlet Le Figaro published what it claimed was a copy of the letter. The document states that Trump’s executive order, signed in January, also applies to all US government suppliers. It applies regardless of nationality or location.
French CNN affiliate BFMTV obtained another such letter. It states that the executive order applies to all suppliers and service providers, no matter their nationality or country of operation. BFMTV reported that several French companies received the letter. Businesses must sign the certification form. If they refuse, they must provide reasons, which will be sent to US legal services.
US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed the issue on Monday. She said the letters ensure compliance with the president’s executive order. The form is a self-certifying statement to local consulates and embassies.
The goal of DEI in the workplace is to increase representation. It supports different races, genders, classes, people with disabilities, veterans, and underrepresented groups. However, this keeps away talented and deserving candidates from being hired. It also boosts activism in the company rather than productivity. Instead of increasing representation, one should focus on meritocracy.
The Trump administration has not defined DEI officially. However, it has called the approach “illegal and immoral discrimination.” It even linked DEI to a plane crash in Washington, DC, and wildfires in California.
Shockwaves in Europe
The Belgian government released a statement. It said authorities are investigating “the legal consequences” for companies that received the letters.
The government stated that US embassies must comply with Belgian law. If contracts end due to DEI commitments, it could violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Eva Hrncirova, spokesperson for the European Commission, also responded. She said the Commission needs more details before taking action.
However, she affirmed support for diverse and inclusive workplaces. She stated that diversity attracts talent, enhances creativity, and promotes innovation. She also cited legislation promoting gender balance on company boards.
France’s foreign trade minister, Laurent Saint-Martin, said on Monday he was “deeply shocked” by calls by the US Embassy in Paris for a number of French companies to drop their diversity programs in line with US President Donald Trump’s domestic policy.
Danish Industry represents 20,000 Danish companies. The group said Trump’s anti-DEI policy will be difficult for Danish businesses.
However, director Kinga Szabo Christensen expressed confidence. She stated, “I trust that our values will remain.” She added that Danish Industry supports an inclusive work culture. Diversity strengthens innovation and competitiveness. She encouraged Danish companies to maintain high DEI standards.
It seems the US administration will be on a collision course with many such companies that have been propagating and promoting the DEI initiative. The DEI in itself is a very arbitrary idea which seeks to promote diversity over ability and qualification. Trump has been adamant throughout his campaign that he will not stand for such initiatives being practised as far as the US is concerned, and now he is actively putting his foot down.
The move will no doubt be seen in a very negative light by Europe as most of the governments there are left leaning and strongly back the initiative. Now it remains to be seen what will be the impact of these instructions, whether the European and other companies will follow them or will them defy them and face the wrath of the US President.