The battle against radical leftist policies has gone global, with the Trump administration taking decisive action to root out Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs not just within the United States but also among foreign contractors. Washington has formally demanded that all French companies doing business with the US government eliminate their DEI initiatives, a move that has sent shockwaves through the French establishment, which clings desperately to its woke ideology.
Trump’s Crackdown on DEI Policies
Since his return to the White House, President Donald Trump has prioritized dismantling the woke agenda that took root under the previous ååadministration. His executive order titled “Concerning the End of Unlawful Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Employment Opportunities” applies to all US government suppliers and contractors, irrespective of nationality. The order is part of a broader initiative to erase divisive identity politics from the workplace and restore a system based on competence and merit.
According to Le Figaro and Les Echos, the US Embassy in Paris sent letters to French companies holding US contracts, instructing them to comply with the new regulations by terminating their DEI programs. The embassy reportedly required these firms to sign a formal compliance document within five days, pledging that they would no longer engage in identity-based hiring or training.
This follows a sweeping review of 15,600 contracts, loans, and foreign aid programs, with the Trump administration aiming to eliminate waste, fraud, and ideological corruption in government spending. While the move was celebrated by advocates of merit-based employment, it has provoked outrage among France’s bureaucratic elite, who view DEI as sacred.
France and Brussels: The Last Woke Fortress?
While DEI policies have come under fire across the West, France and Brussels have emerged as the last strongholds of radical woke ideology. French officials, still deeply entrenched in the postmodern doctrines of so-called “equity,” immediately pushed back against Trump’s order.
“This practice reflects the values of the new American government. They are not ours,” a senior official from the French Economy and Finance Ministry told Le Figaro. The reaction from the French government, particularly from Finance Minister Eric Lombard, underscores a stubborn refusal to accept the global shift against DEI.
However, the question remains: How long can France and Brussels resist? Across Europe, countries are turning their backs on these policies. The UK has seen a pushback against DEI in universities and businesses, while Germany has begun to reconsider the effectiveness of these divisive initiatives. Even in Nordic nations—once pioneers of progressive policies—criticism is mounting as DEI increasingly fails to deliver on its promises and instead fosters inefficiency and resentment.
DEI: A System of Corruption and Inefficiency
Trump’s stance on DEI is not just ideological—it is rooted in economic and legal realities. His executive order labeled DEI as “an illegal, corrosive, and pernicious system” that contradicts longstanding US civil rights laws. DEI policies, rather than fostering true inclusivity, have created a culture of division, lowered standards, and encouraged hiring based on quotas rather than qualifications.
Furthermore, these programs have led to billions in wasted taxpayer dollars. A 2023 report by the Heritage Foundation revealed that federal DEI programs alone cost American taxpayers over $10 billion annually, with little to no evidence of positive outcomes. Instead, they have weakened institutions, led to increased workplace disputes, and encouraged mediocrity over excellence.
The European Backlash Against Wokeness
Despite France’s resistance, the European tide is shifting. Several European nations, including Hungary and Italy, have already distanced themselves from the radical DEI agenda. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has condemned these policies as a form of Western ideological imperialism, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made it clear that identity politics will not dictate Italy’s future.
Even within France, dissent is growing. French intellectuals and business leaders have started questioning the validity of DEI, with prominent figures such as philosopher Michel Onfray and economist Jean-Marc Daniel openly criticizing its impact on meritocracy and economic efficiency. The backlash is growing, and France’s deep state may soon find itself on the wrong side of history.
The European Union, headquartered in Brussels, has become the ideological command center for DEI policies in Europe. The EU has aggressively promoted DEI through directives, grants, and legal frameworks, making it increasingly difficult for member states to deviate from the doctrine.
However, the EU’s power is not absolute. With national and conservative movements on the rise across Europe, the political landscape is shifting. The European Parliament elections in 2024 saw a surge in right-wing parties, many of which campaigned against DEI and woke culture. If this trend continues, Brussels may soon find itself isolated as its policies become increasingly unpopular.
The Future of Transatlantic Business: Adapt or Lose Contracts
The Trump administration’s stance is clear: Companies that refuse to comply with merit-based hiring standards will lose access to lucrative US government contracts. This presents a difficult choice for French businesses. While some may wish to cling to DEI for ideological reasons, the economic reality is that many cannot afford to lose American partnerships.
The financial implications are significant. French companies such as Thales, Dassault, and Airbus, which have extensive contracts with the US Department of Defense, may face difficult decisions. Will they prioritize ideology over business? If they do, they may soon find themselves replaced by companies from nations that align with Trump’s vision.
The Woke Fortress is Crumbling
France and Brussels may attempt to stand as the last bastions of DEI, but the walls are cracking. Across the Western world, people are waking up to the failures of woke policies and demanding a return to meritocracy, individual responsibility, and economic efficiency.
Trump’s bold initiative is not just an American policy—it is part of a global movement to eradicate the ideological rot of identity politics. As more European nations move away from DEI, France and Brussels must decide: will they adapt to the new reality, or will they fall alongside the crumbling edifice of the woke agenda?
