WOKE name tag on a work jacket. My name is WOKE.
Trump cancels WOKE? US Embassy’s ‘shocking diversity clampdown’
Credit: Shutterstock, W. Scott McGill
In a move that’s got eyebrows shooting up faster than a bookie spotting a dodgy bet, the United States Embassy in Spain has demanded that its commercial suppliers prove they aren’t enforcing any diversity or inclusion policies that could breach American anti-discrimination laws. And they’ve only got five days to do it!
According to media sources in Spain, this requirement stems from a series of executive orders signed by US President Donald Trump. His administration’s aim? To weed out diversity and inclusion practices they believe infringe American legal standards. But in Spain, companies with more than 50 employees must legally have equality and LGTBI plans – meaning these new US demands clash with Spanish legislation.
A tale of two legislations
Only businesses subject to US law or operating in the United States are caught in Trump’s net. A purely Spanish firm that simply supplies the embassy in Madrid, and doesn’t operate Stateside, can still apply diversity policies galore. However, for those companies who do have American ties, the ultimatum is clear: sign the embassy’s pledge within five days or risk having payments suspended. A siesta-shattering shocker.
Diplomatic dance
It’s not just Spanish suppliers who’ve been thrust into the spotlight. The new rules could ruffle feathers in any country that has diplomatic relations with the US – that’s a lot of ruffled feathers.
Tiptoeing through a legal minefield
The big question for these companies is: how do they juggle the Trump directive with European regulations championing ‘inclusion’? Many are busy scratching their heads to find a fix that won’t see them dancing off a legal cliff edge.
A brand-new transatlantic tension
Spain’s government has addressed the issue publicly. The department headed by Yolanda Díaz reminded that ‘Spanish companies must strictly comply with both equality plans and regulations on equality, as well as the protection of diversity,’ as outlined by Spanish law and the constitution.”
For now, all eyes are on the Spanish suppliers as they race the clock to decide: comply and satisfy Uncle Sam, or stand by their commitments to local equality and LGTBI measures.
While the embassy remains tight-lipped, the controversy continues to swirl. Will Trump’s orders trump Spanish law? Or will Spanish firms stand by their diversity policies? One thing’s certain: with each new twist, this story is bound to keep tongues wagging on both sides of the pond and on both sides of the political spectrum! Keep your eyes peeled, folks – there’s no telling what spectacular plot twist might land next in this transatlantic tussle.
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