The US Embassy in Helsinki has confirmed that the Trump administration opposes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in Finland.
In a statement to Iltalehti, the embassy explained that organisations wishing to collaborate with US diplomatic missions must clarify their stance on anti-discrimination guidelines. These guidelines reflect Trump’s ongoing effort to reject DEI initiatives, which he labels “woke ideology.”
Although US laws don’t apply to foreign organisations, the embassy noted that partners may still need to state their position. Currently, no formal documentation is required.
US efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives in Europe
The US Embassy in Stockholm recently instructed contractors to stop DEI-related work if they wanted to continue cooperating. Embassies in France, Belgium, and Spain have made similar demands, prompting backlash in each case.
DEI programmes aim to encourage diversity and prevent discrimination. However, the Trump administration argues they push a politically motivated agenda.
A broader policy shift
In addition to opposing DEI, the Trump administration has withdrawn support from several UN resolutions, including those on gender equality, climate change, and hate speech. This move signals a wider disengagement from progressive global initiatives.
While the term “woke” originally referred to awareness of social issues, Trump now uses it to criticise left-leaning policies. In Finland, though, the term is less politically charged than in the US.
The embassy’s statement highlights the Trump administration’s intention to extend its domestic policies to its international partnerships, even with long-standing allies like Finland.
