STOCKHOLM (AP) — The Stockholm City Council has refused to adhere to the U.S. Embassy’s requests to align with the Trump administration’s reversal of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. This decision marks the latest move in President Donald Trump’s campaign to dismantle such programs within the federal government and beyond, aiming to end what he views as excessive efforts to incorporate race and gender considerations into all aspects of public and private life.
Various countries and cities in Europe, including France, Belgium, and Barcelona, have also faced similar overtures from U.S. embassies, all of which have criticized the U.S. attempts to export its anti-DEI policies to the continent.
In a message to the city’s planning office dated April 29, the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm requested that Stockholm officials certify that their contractors do not engage in any DEI-promoting activities that would contravene U.S. anti-discrimination laws.
The city council announced on Friday that it will not comply with the embassy’s demands or provide an official response. Jan Valeskog, vice mayor for city planning, expressed surprise at the request, stating, “We will not sign this document under any circumstances.”
Valeskog emphasized that while the city values its relationship with the embassy, it will adhere to Swedish legislation and city protocols that support diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
