In a significant diplomatic spat, the French Ministry of Trade condemned the United States on Saturday, March 29, 2025, for what it termed "unacceptable" intervention after the U.S. Embassy in Paris sent letters to several French companies regarding their involvement with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These initiatives, often criticized by former President Donald Trump, aim to promote equality and representation for historically marginalized groups.
The letters, addressed to French companies currently doing business with the U.S. or seeking to establish operations there, included a questionnaire requiring companies to affirm that they were not engaging in DEI programs. The questionnaire asserted that such programs violate federal anti-discrimination laws, which Trump had previously banned at the federal level shortly after resuming the presidency.
France, already incensed by Trump’s moves to impose tariffs on imports, responded through its Ministry of Foreign Trade, stating, "The U.S. interference in the coexistence policies of French companies is unacceptable, just like the unjustified threat of tariffs. France and Europe will protect their companies and their customers, as well as our values." DEI programs are designed to provide opportunities to people of color, women, and other groups that have historically been excluded.
Trump and his followers view DEI initiatives as discriminatory and detrimental to meritocracy. The letter, published by Le Figaro on March 28, indicated that Trump’s executive order from March 20 regarding the dismantling of DEI programs "will apply to all government contractors and suppliers, regardless of the race or nationality of the operators."
Eric Lombard, the French Minister of Economy, condemned the letter, asserting that it reflects the values of the new U.S. government, saying, "They are not us. The ministry will issue a warning to the U.S. Department of Economy on this matter." While it remains unclear how many companies received the letter, the Ministry of Economy anticipates that only a few dozen companies were contacted, though this number may not be final.
Christopher Mesnuh, an American business lawyer based in Paris, commented on the situation, stating that if the companies receiving the letters were not communicating through official channels, the correspondence would not hold the same weight as a diplomatic letter. He added that the U.S. government cannot coerce French companies to comply with their laws, as policies that affirm benefits for certain groups are illegal in France, which prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity or religion.
However, many French companies are still exploring ways to embrace diversity in their hiring practices. France has mandated that over 1,000 employers promote equality for women under a 2021 law, aiming for at least 30% of executive positions to be held by women. This means that any French company adhering to the U.S. demands may risk violating French law.
The president of the CPME, a French business group, referred to the letter as an "attack on French sovereignty" and urged politicians and business leaders to "stand together" against it.
In related news, on March 25, 2025, One Bangkok collaborated with Café Oui-We! to present a world-class acrobatic performance from France, showcasing the culture and traditions of France in Thailand. This event marks a new dimension in the art and culture scene in Thailand, aiming to promote cultural exchange and understanding between people.
The performance, created by renowned artist Chloé Farah, known for her work in international acrobatics, including shows like the "Festival du Cirque de Demain" and "Cirque du Soleil," will be held at the French Association in Bangkok from now until May 18, 2025. The event aims to provide new experiences and foster cultural exchanges.
Jarinthip Chumuenwai, Senior Director of Arts and Culture at One Bangkok, expressed the organization's commitment to creating a community where art and culture are integral to daily life, enhancing quality of life for all. "We are delighted to partner with the French Association in Bangkok, Bonjour Bonsoir, and the French-Thai Chamber of Commerce to bring the magic of Café Oui-We! to Thailand," she stated.
She further emphasized that the acrobatic performance is a rare artistic endeavor in Thailand, inviting audiences into a world that challenges gravity and evokes emotions, showcasing the beauty of human connections. "This is a new experience for everyone to appreciate a moment of wonder and build relationships through art, which is a universal language," Jarinthip added.
The full performance will narrate the enchanting stories of diverse encounters among people in a café at a southern French international airport, inviting audiences to feel joy, excitement, and admiration through a captivating narrative that transcends traditional storytelling.
Additionally, a special pop-up performance of Café Oui-We! will take place on March 29, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Parade Square on the G floor of One Bangkok. This event offers everyone involved in the One Bangkok project an opportunity to experience part of the magic of Café Oui-We! up close and for free. Tickets for the full performance at the French Association in Bangkok are available for purchase.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government is reportedly sending letters to companies in France and the European Union (EU) that have contracts with the U.S., instructing them to comply with an executive order prohibiting DEI programs if they wish to maintain their contracts. This move has raised concerns among French businesses about the potential implications for their operations and compliance with both U.S. and French laws.
As the situation unfolds, the French government has expressed its apprehensions regarding the U.S. approach, highlighting the stark contrast between U.S. values and those of France. While the U.S. continues to push for compliance with its standards, the French are steadfast in their commitment to uphold their own principles of equality and non-discrimination.
