Stockholm rejects U.S. letter opposing diversity initiatives

A Stockholm city official has confirmed the municipality will not comply with a letter reportedly linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to The Guardian. Vice-Mayor Jan Valeskog said his office was surprised to receive the request, which asked recipients to declare they do not operate DEI programs.

Valeskog criticized the letter as “bizarre” and emphasized that Stockholm prioritizes inclusion and equality. He said the city would neither sign nor respond to the letter, which he believes may have been sent because the planning office collects building permit fees.

European companies and governments have received similar letters in recent months, prompting backlash over what some call foreign interference. Valeskog called on the U.S. embassy to retract the message and warned it could strain their working relationship. Public reaction in Sweden has been strong, with many expressing concern over the implications of such U.S. demands on foreign entities.