Latest news with #ExecutiveOrder14173
Local Sweden
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Local Sweden
Stockholm v Trump: 'If US embassy wanted a building permit, they would have a problem'
Stockholm's city government has missed a deadline from the US government to certify that they do not have any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes. Jan Valeskog, the city's deputy mayor, explained why he has rejected this 'bizarre' request. Advertisement On Friday, May 9th, the Stockholm City Planning Department, missed the ten-day deadline to submit a signed document requested by the US government on April 29th, something Jan Valeskog, the deputy mayor responsible for the planning department, said he had never intended to do. "It's bizarre, because it goes against everything we stand for, and also against Swedish law," he told The Local. "All municipalities are working with anti-discrimination. It's unbelievable." READ ALSO: Stockholm hits back at US embassy's 'completely bizarre' anti-DEI contract On Tuesday, April 29th, Stockholm's city's planning department received an email from the US embassy, giving them 10 days to sign a document certifying that they "do not operate programs promoting DEI", along with what looked like a threat to withhold payment. The city government, the US embassy wrote, should "agree that such certification is material for the government's payment decision", suggesting that the Stockholm city government would be "subject to the False Claims Act", under which suppliers to the US government risk fines of up to $10,000. Advertisement The letter enforces US President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14173, which, among other things, forbids US government agencies from "allowing federal contractors and subcontractors to engage in workforce balancing based on race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, or national origin". The US embassy, like all other US government agencies, is required under the executive order to include a term in all future contracts, "requiring such counterparty or recipient to certify that it does not operate any programs promoting DEI that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws". Valeskog told The Local had been hoping that the US embassy or the State Department would withdraw the demand before the deadline passed. "We are expecting them to withdraw this and maybe say that they are sorry," he said. "I'm not sure [US President] Trump has ever used these words, but this could have been the first time. There were rumours they were going to issue a statement last Friday, but they didn't." Advertisement Permit problems Valeskog said that if the US embassy in Stockholm were to cancel contracts or freeze payments because of a refusal to sign the document, they would only damage themselves. "Every fourth year, the embassy wants a building permit and if they want to get the building permit, they need to cooperate with us and if they don't want to do that, they would have a problem." Christopher Fjellner, the leader of the opposition Moderate Party, called on city government to take an even more robust approach, threatening to cut off municipal services like hot water or garbage collection. "It's them who are dependent on our garbage collection, our hot water, and our sewage treatment, so if they want to do without them, I say good luck to them!" he told Sweden's public radio broadcaster SR. Government's job to protest Fjellner also called for the Social Democrat-led city government to demand a meeting with the embassy, something Valeskog rejected. "This is a real misunderstanding. We are not allowed to do foreign policy, so we cannot take 'revenge' on the embassy or call the embassy personnel up to the city offices. That's not for us to do, it's for the government, but they are silent. A lot of governments are silent for some reason when it comes to Trump administration. It's a very strange situation."
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fact Check: US Embassy demanded Stockholm officials comply with Trump's anti-DEI policies. They refused
Claim: The U.S. Embassy in Sweden sent a letter to Stockholm's city planning department stating that U.S. State Department contractors must comply with the Trump administration's anti-diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Rating: Claims circulating online in early May 2025 alleged the United States Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, sent a letter to Stockholm's city planning department stating that all U.S. State Department contractors must comply with U.S. President Donald Trump's executive orders demanding a rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Numerous posts on Facebook (archived, archived), X (archived) and Reddit asserting the claim gained traction, leading to an influx of Snopes readers sending emails to ask if the claims were true. Indeed, claims that the U.S. Embassy in Sweden's capital city sent Stockholm's city planning department a letter stating contractors must comply with the Trump administration's anti-DEI policies are true. Neither the State Department nor the U.S. Embassy in Sweden has responded to Snopes' requests for comment, but this article will be updated if we receive a response. A press officer for the city of Stockholm provided Snopes with a copy of the document in question along with a screenshot of the email in which the embassy delivered it to the city. (City of Stockholm) The email read: CERTIFICATION REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW — 19SW8025P0594 Dear Stadsbyggnadskontoret [City Planning Office], Due to updated U.S. acquisition policies under Executive Order 14173, we kindly ask you to review and sign the attached certification form. This certification is required for all U.S. Government acquisitions, including purchase orders and all contracts for goods or services. Please return the signed form within 10 working days. Thank you for your cooperation. Best regards, U.S. Embassy Stockholm The letter itself was addressed from the Embassy of the United States of America in Stockholm, Sweden, and it opened by repeating the email's subject line. It then read, "All Department of State contractors must certify that they do not operate any programs promoting DEI that violate any applicable anti-discrimination laws and agree that such certification is material for purposes of the government's payment decision and therefore subject to the False Claims Act." It concludes with directions on how to submit the certification. (City of Stockholm) According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the False Claims Act "provides that any person who knowingly submits, or causes to submit, false claims to the government is liable for three times the government's damages plus a penalty that is linked to inflation." The press official for the city of Stockholm told Snopes via email, "The city of Stockholm will not comply with the embassy's demands or respond to the letter." In comments to The Associated Press, Stockholm's Vice Mayor for City Planning Jan Valeskog said of receiving the letter, "We were really surprised, of course. We will not sign this document at all, of course not." Valeskog also told Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, "If the U.S. terminates its relationship with the city planning office, the embassy will have difficulty obtaining a building permit if they want to rebuild, for example. That's their headache, not ours." Trump signed Executive Order 14173 on Jan. 21, 2025. According to the text of the order, its purpose was "ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity." It reads in part: Illegal DEI and DEIA policies not only violate the text and spirit of our longstanding Federal civil-rights laws, they also undermine our national unity, as they deny, discredit, and undermine the traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement in favor of an unlawful, corrosive, and pernicious identity-based spoils system. Hardworking Americans who deserve a shot at the American Dream should not be stigmatized, demeaned, or shut out of opportunities because of their race or sex. The anti-DEI policies of the Trump administration have been widely criticized, with The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights stating, "These EOs will weaken our economy, endanger our national security, and threaten our multi-racial democracy." Civil Division | The False Claims Act. 17 June 2019, "Ending Illegal Discrimination And Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." The White House, 22 Jan. 2025, Kassam, Ashifa, and Ashifa Kassam European community affairs correspondent. "Stockholm Rejects 'Bizarre' US Letter Urging City to Scrap Diversity Initiatives." The Guardian, 8 May 2025. The Guardian, "Stockholm City Council Rejects US Embassy Demands to End DEI Programming." AP News, 9 May 2025, "Trump's Executive Orders on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Explained." The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Accessed 9 May 2025. "USA:s ambassad kräver lydnad av Stockholms stad: "Bisarrt"." 6 May 2025,
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Trump's First 100 Days
American flag painted on gates of Continental Hardware store, Queens, New York. (Photo by: Lindsey ... More Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) As we celebrate National Small Business Month this May, many entrepreneurs are heads down—managing payroll, shipping product, chasing payments. But while you've been busy running your business, Washington has been equally busy reshaping the environment in which you operate. Over the first 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term—January 20 through April 29, 2025—the administration has enacted a series of policy changes with direct implications for America's small businesses. From federal contracting and regulatory shifts to budget freezes and tax reform efforts, the ground is shifting beneath Main Street. And if you're not paying attention, you could miss changes that impact your access to capital, your workforce model, or your competitive edge. Here's what every entrepreneur should know about the Trump administration's early moves—and how to navigate what comes next. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reported an 80% increase in loan approvals during the first 100 days, totaling approximately 26,000 loans worth $12.6 billion. Notably, there was a 95% increase in loans to businesses with five or fewer employees and a 56% rise in loans for new startups. ( However, these gains are accompanied by significant structural changes within the SBA. The agency announced plans to reduce its workforce by 43%, aiming to return to pre-pandemic levels and save taxpayers an estimated $435 million annually by 2026. Additionally, the SBA has terminated or paused over 120 contracts, resulting in about $3 billion in future savings. ( Why it matters: While increased loan approvals suggest improved access to capital, the agency's downsizing and contract terminations may affect the availability of support services and resources for small businesses. The administration has taken steps to simplify federal procurement processes. Executive Order 14173 eliminated certain compliance mandates related to workforce diversity, shifting federal contracts toward a merit-based approach. Additionally, according to the SBA the percentage of federal contracts awarded to small businesses increased from 18% to 23% over the last three months, indicating a potential rise in opportunities for small business participation in federal projects. Why it matters: Simplified procurement processes may reduce administrative burdens, but the removal of diversity mandates could impact businesses that previously benefited from such provisions. Efforts are underway to extend key elements of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), including the 20% qualified business income deduction for pass-through entities. A House budget resolution passed in March supports these extensions, aiming to provide continued tax relief for small business owners. Why it matters: If enacted, these extensions could offer ongoing tax benefits for small businesses. However, entrepreneurs should stay informed about legislative developments that may affect their tax planning strategies. The administration has reinstated a deregulatory framework directing agencies to repeal ten regulations for every new one. This initiative aims to reduce compliance costs and streamline operations for businesses. Why it matters: While reduced regulations can lower operational costs, it's essential for businesses to understand how these changes may affect industry standards and compliance requirements. The Department of Labor (DOL) is currently reconsidering the 2024 rule that made it more challenging for companies to classify workers as independent contractors. This month the DOL announced that it is reviewing and developing the appropriate standard for determining employee versus independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This move could allow for more flexible engagement of gig workers and freelancers. Why it matters: Small businesses heavily rely on independent contractors and 1099 workers for their everyday operations. This potential change may simplify hiring practices. However, it's important to monitor state laws, which may have different classifications and requirements. In light of these developments, here are actionable steps entrepreneurs can take: National Small Business Month serves as a reminder of the vital role entrepreneurs play in the economy. As federal policies continue to evolve, staying informed and proactive is crucial. By understanding and adapting to these changes, small business owners can position themselves for sustained growth and success in an ever-changing landscape.
Washington Post
01-04-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Trump-backed push for EU firms to drop DEI is just ‘piece of paperwork,' U.S. says
The State Department sought to ease concerns abroad Tuesday after the U.S. Embassy in Paris sparked outrage by sending letters to French companies asking them to certify their compliance with President Donald Trump's effort to curb programs for diversity, equity and inclusion, known as DEI. The request that companies doing business with the State Department renounce DEI, first published in French Newspaper Le Figaro and confirmed by French and U.S. officials, also went out to companies in Belgium, Italy and Spain at minimum, according to local officials and media reports. But it sparked the sharpest response in France. 'This practice reflects the values of the new American administration. They are not ours,' said the office of Economy and Finance Minister Eric Lombard in a statement. 'The Minister will reaffirm this to his counterparts within the U.S. Government.' Aurore Bergé, France's minister for gender equality and the fight against discrimination, called the letter an 'attempt to impose a diktat' and 'a form, obviously, of interference.' French laws, she said, are 'above any ultimatums' from the embassy. Europe is not a continent to be sold 'piecemeal,' she said. A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Paris declined to comment on the letter. Embassy spokesman Francisco Perez told French newspaper Libération that the letter was sent to all companies that provide the embassy with services and products, reaching 'several dozen' companies. 'This applies worldwide, even if not all embassies send it at the same time,' he said. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters Monday that the companies in question were being asked to 'self certify' their acquiescence, in an effort to comply with a Trump executive order to curb DEI policies in companies dealing with the government. A State Department statement Tuesday said that international vendors were only being asked to comply with 'applicable' legal requirements, which for most foreign companies operating abroad would require nothing and amount to little more than 'one additional piece of paperwork.' The State Department said it was reviewing all contracts and grants with U.S. embassies. The letters appeared to extend well beyond France, although the State Department and U.S. embassies in Europe did not respond to requests for comment about which companies had received them. Belgium's deputy prime minister Maxime Prévot said in a statement Monday that Belgium was alarmed at the requests. 'It is downright regrettable that the U.S., a country whose administration was once at the forefront of defending shared values such as diversity, is now taking a step backwards,' he said. Belgium 'will not budge one millimetre.' 'We inform you that Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunities, signed by President Trump, applies to all suppliers and service providers of the U.S. Government, regardless of their nationality and the country in which they operate,' read the letter published by Le Figaro, which was written in both French and English. Attached was a 'certification form for compliance' with the U.S. federal antidiscrimination law, including a place to affirm that the companies in question 'do not operate any programs promoting diversity, equity and inclusion' that violate the laws. The letter requests a response within five days but does not set out a specific penalty for refusal. The letter was signed by Stanislas Parmentier, a contracting officer at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Le Figaro had reported earlier this month that at least two European telecommunications companies that supplied American embassies had been threatened with the termination of their contracts if they didn't eliminate DEI policies. Alcatel-Lucent, a French telecom company with a section of its website devoted to its business with the U.S. Department of Defense, also lists DEI measures on its website, described as such. The company did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. France, analysts pointed out Tuesday, is an unlikely battlefield for a clash with Trump over DEI. Most affirmative action policies, especially those addressing race, are restricted. Even collecting data on race and ethnicity is not permitted in the country. Maxime Cervulle, professor of communication studies at University of Paris 8, said the letters show a 'profound misunderstanding' of the French landscape on this issue. France does not recognize race as a legitimate category for public action, she said, although some measures are permitted around inclusion of women and people with disabilities. France sees itself as an officially 'color-blind' country that instead rests on the core principle of universalism, said Marie des Neiges Léonard, a sociologist at University of South Alabama. The U.S. debate does not map directly into a French context, she said. But DEI has no set parameters and can refer to almost any effort to foster fair treatment and equal participation. For the U.S. right, the acronym has come to stand for a perceived liberal assault on merit — criticism many liberals dismiss. Karen DeYoung, Ben Paltiel and Michael Birnbaum contributed to this report.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US warns French companies they must comply with Trump's diversity ban
PARIS (Reuters) -The Trump administration has written to French companies holding U.S. government contracts ordering them to comply with an executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion programmes, two people familiar with the matter said. The companies have been told to confirm their compliance in a separate questionnaire entitled "Certification Regarding Compliance With Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Law." Reuters has seen a copy of the questionnaire. The documents will raise concerns in European boardrooms that the Trump administration is widening its fight against DEI overseas, at a time U.S. President Donald Trump's actions on tariffs and security ties have upended trans-Atlantic relations. French business daily Les Echos, which first reported the existence of the letter late on Friday, said the missive had been sent out to firms by the U.S. embassy in Paris. "We inform you that Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunities, signed by President Trump, applies to all suppliers and service providers of the U.S. Government, regardless of their nationality and the country in which they operate," reads the letter, according to a copy that French newspaper Le Figaro published on its website. "We would be grateful if you could complete and sign the document in English within five days and return it to us by email. If you do not agree to sign this document, we would appreciate if you could provide detailed reasons, which we will forward to our legal services," the letter added, with reference to the certification seen by Reuters. An embassy spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An official close to French Finance Minister Eric Lombard said the matter would be taken up with the U.S. government. "This practice reflects the values of the new U.S. government. They are not the same as ours. The minister will remind his counterparts in the U.S. government of this," the official said. Reuters could not immediately identify which companies had received the letter. Defence and infrastructure companies were among those that risked exposure, media reported. It was not immediately clear if similar letters and questionnaires had been sent to foreign companies in other European countries. Trump has sought to eradicate DEI initiatives, which he and other critics say are discriminatory, from the government and private sector.
