The United States has been placed on the Civicus Monitor Watchlist, signaling growing concerns over the rapid deterioration of civic freedoms under the Trump administration. The inclusion of the U.S. in Civicus’ first 2025 watchlist places it alongside nations such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia, highlighting a troubling shift in America’s democratic standing.
Civicus Monitor and Its Global Assessment of Civic Freedoms
The Civicus Monitor is an international watchdog that evaluates civic space across 198 countries, categorizing them under five ratings: open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed, and closed. The U.S. currently falls under the “narrowed” category, meaning that while citizens can still exercise freedoms such as peaceful protest and free speech, increasing violations are occurring.
Civicus’ decision to place the U.S. on the watchlist stems from a pattern of restrictive policies under the Trump administration. These actions include:
Mass dismissals of federal employees
Appointment of Trump loyalists to key positions
Withdrawal from international organizations such as the WHO and the UN Human Rights Council
Freezing of federal and foreign aid
These moves, Civicus argues, erode democratic institutions and stifle civic engagement, a departure from America’s long-standing reputation as a global advocate for democracy.
Trump Administration’s Crackdown on Dissent and Media Access
Beyond institutional shifts, the Trump administration has also been accused of targeting peaceful protesters and restricting media access. Civicus points to crackdowns on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, as well as attempts to control press access to the White House.
Mandeep Tiwana, co-secretary general of Civicus, described these developments as an “unparalleled attack on the rule of law, not seen since the days of McCarthyism in the twentieth century.” He further warned that intimidation tactics by senior administration officials are “creating an atmosphere that chills democratic dissent, a cherished American ideal.”
During Trump’s first term, the U.S. was briefly classified as “obstructed” due to Trump Administration aggressive response to Black Lives Matter protests and restrictive state laws curbing environmental justice demonstrations. The new rating suggests a return to similar concerns.
Erosion of Democratic Norms and International Fallout
The global implications of America’s declining civic freedoms are significant, as the U.S. has historically been a champion of democracy and human rights. Civicus warns that authoritarian regimes may feel emboldened by the erosion of democratic norms in the United States, potentially using it as justification for their own repressive actions.
By withdrawing from key international coalitions, the Trump administration has also undermined global cooperation on human rights and governance. The freezing of USAID programs and cuts to federal funding for international civil society initiatives have weakened support for pro-democracy movements worldwide.
Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have expressed concerns that these measures signal a dangerous shift that could have lasting consequences.
Future of Civic Freedoms in the U.S. and Global Repercussions
While the U.S. remains in the “narrowed” category, Civicus warns that without significant policy reversals, it could soon be downgraded to “obstructed”, reflecting a more severe restriction on fundamental freedoms. The ongoing legal battles, executive orders, and anti-dissent policies could determine whether America’s civic space continues to shrink.
Critics argue that Trump’s policies are undermining constitutional safeguards, making it more difficult for Americans to hold their government accountable. If civic freedoms continue to erode, the U.S. may face greater scrutiny from global watchdogs, potentially influencing its standing in international diplomacy.
The inclusion of the United States on the Civicus Monitor Watchlist serves as a stark warning: America’s democratic institutions are at risk, and the world is taking notice.
