Trump targets French companies, issues strict orders; French government preparing to retaliate:

The Trump administration has sent an order to French companies working under US government contracts to comply with an executive order against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs by filling out a questionnaire called a Certificate of Compliance with federal anti-discrimination law.

Concerns among French companies

The move could cause concern in the boardrooms of European companies, as it signals that the Trump administration is expanding its fight against DEI programs abroad as well. The Trump administration's move could further complicate US-European relations, which are already strained by tariffs and security ties.

French government prepares response

An official close to French Finance Minister Eric Lombard said the matter would be raised with the US government. "This practice reflects the new values of the US government, which are not the same as ours. The minister will remind his US counterparts about this," the official said.

The companies could not be identified

According to the report, defence and infrastructure companies may be among those that have US government contracts and have been sent the letter.

However, it was not immediately clear whether similar letters and questionnaires were also sent to companies in other European countries. Trump has tried to end DEI initiatives that he and his critics see as discriminatory.