The U.S. government has directed French companies with federal contracts to confirm they are not implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. These policies have been banned under the Trump administration, and the latest move reinforces that stance.

According to the French business newspaper Les Echos, the U.S. Embassy in Paris sent out a questionnaire asking companies to verify their compliance. The directive primarily affects firms in defense and infrastructure, key sectors with ties to American contracts.

A French official close to Finance Minister Eric Lombard criticized the demand, calling it an imposition of values that do not align with France’s principles. The French government plans to formally address the issue with Washington, although it remains unclear if similar requirements have been sent to other European countries.

The order marks another chapter in the growing divide between the U.S. and its allies over corporate policies and governance structures. In France, DEI policies remain a core part of workplace inclusion efforts, while the U.S. has seen a political shift against such initiatives.

Trump Announces New Tariffs Amid Global Trade Talks

In another major policy move, President Trump announced that a set of reciprocal tariffs will take effect on April 2. These tariffs are meant to counter barriers imposed by other countries on U.S. exports.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump signaled a willingness to negotiate trade deals, but only under terms favorable to the U.S. “They want a deal—and we can do that if there’s something in it for us,” he stated.

The United Kingdom has already shown interest in negotiations, and analysts believe that other European countries could follow. However, trade tensions remain high as new tariffs are expected to target pharmaceuticals and auto imports—two industries heavily reliant on international supply chains.

Trump confirmed that no trade agreements will be finalized before April, emphasizing that the process requires careful strategic planning. The move is expected to trigger pushback from affected industries and international trade groups, who warn that increased tariffs could disrupt markets.

Judge Blocks Shutdown of Voice of America

A federal judge in New York has issued a temporary halt on the Trump administration’s attempt to shut down Voice of America (VOA). The ruling blocks layoffs and closure efforts, providing a legal lifeline for the media organization.

The decision follows a lawsuit filed by VOA employees, unions, and Reporters Without Borders, arguing that the shutdown violates press freedom and silences independent journalism.

Clayton Weimers, the U.S. director of Reporters Without Borders, praised the ruling and urged the government to release withheld funding and reinstate affected staff.

The battle over VOA’s future reflects a broader debate on government control of media outlets. Established during World War II, VOA has long served as a global news source funded by the U.S. government, but critics argue that its independence is at risk under recent policy changes.

Leadership Shake-Up at Columbia University After Federal Scrutiny

Columbia University is facing continued leadership turmoil after its interim president, Katrina Armstrong, stepped down following a seven-month tenure. Journalist Claire Shipman has been appointed as her replacement.

The university has been under federal pressure to revise policies, particularly regarding protests, security, and Middle East studies programs. The U.S. government previously threatened to withhold $400 million in funding if changes were not made.

Armstrong’s leadership saw controversial reforms, including stricter protest regulations and campus security expansions. While some faculty members supported the changes, student groups and activists opposed them, calling them “an attack on free speech.”

Shipman, a seasoned journalist, faces a difficult task in restoring stability, particularly as Columbia navigates federal oversight and growing campus unrest.

FDA Vaccine Official Forced Out Amid Health Agency Shake-Up

Another major shift has occurred in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where Peter Marks, a key vaccine expert, was reportedly forced to resign.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Marks was given an ultimatum to step down or face dismissal. He had played a major role in the COVID-19 response, overseeing vaccine development and approvals.

His departure follows ongoing tensions with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been vocal about his opposition to vaccine mandates and pharmaceutical industry influence.

Marks accused Kennedy of promoting misinformation and rejecting scientific transparency. Kennedy, in turn, announced a major restructuring of federal health agencies, which includes plans to cut 10,000 jobs as part of broader reforms.

The shake-up has sparked concerns from public health experts, who warn that removing experienced officials could weaken America’s ability to respond to future health crises.

Political and Economic Battles Continue

These developments highlight the ongoing political, economic, and social shifts shaping both the U.S. and its relationships with global partners.

From the DEI compliance demands on French firms to the tariff battles and federal agency shake-ups, the Trump administration is actively reshaping policies in multiple sectors.

The decisions made in the coming months will have lasting effects on international trade, corporate governance, and government oversight of key industries.