“US Embassies Instruct Contractors to Avoid Diversity Programs”
US embassies abroad have issued directives to contractors, requiring them to confirm that they do not conduct any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that go against President Donald Trump’s executive order prohibiting race- and sex-based preferences. Contractors working with the US Department of State must also acknowledge that such compliance is crucial for the government’s payment decisions, as per a certification form distributed by the US embassy in Denmark and reported by CNN.
In the US, the Trump administration has been dismantling DEI initiatives within the federal government, and American businesses are under pressure from authorities to alter or discontinue such policies. These embassy communications reveal that the administration is extending its campaign against DEI beyond US borders.
BFMTV, a French CNN affiliate, obtained one of these letters which emphasizes that Trump’s executive order from January applies universally to all suppliers and service providers of the US government, irrespective of their nationality or location. The letter, sent to numerous French companies, requests their signature on the attached certification form. Non-compliance prompts a call for detailed justifications, which will be forwarded to legal services.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified on Monday that these letters serve as compliance efforts with the president’s executive order and act as self-declarations to local consulates and embassies. The objective of DEI initiatives in workplaces is to enhance the representation of various demographics such as races, genders, classes, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other marginalized groups. While the Trump administration has not yet provided its own DEI definition, it has criticized the approach as discriminatory and blamed it for incidents like a plane crash in Washington, DC, and wildfires in California.
These embassy directives have prompted reactions in Europe, with the Belgian government investigating the potential legal implications for the recipient companies. The government emphasized the need for compliance with Belgian laws and raised concerns about terminating contracts based solely on a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, citing possible violations of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, expressed interest in further details about the letters but affirmed its support for organizations promoting diverse and inclusive workplaces. Danish Industry, representing thousands of companies in Denmark, acknowledged the challenges posed by the Trump administration’s stance against diversity and inclusion, yet expressed confidence in their enduring values.
“We strongly believe that fostering an inclusive work environment with a range of perspectives is essential for maintaining innovation and competitiveness,” she emphasized. “We urge Danish companies to maintain ambitious goals in creating inclusive workplaces where all talents can flourish.” For additional CNN news and newsletters, sign up for an account on CNN.com.
