US faces scrutiny as it's added to global watchlist for worsening civic freedoms
The United States has been flagged for a decline in political rights, with growing concerns about actions taken under the Trump administration. This shift highlights the erosion of constitutional rights and the potential global impact on democracy.
The United States has been added to the Civicus Monitor Watchlist for the first time in 2025, highlighting issues over its deteriorating civic freedoms. The Civicus organization, known for tracking developments in state space across 198 countries, included the US alongside other nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Italy. The decision comes as the organization points to a decline in rights related to peaceful assembly, expression, and association, particularly during the Trump administration.
Mandeep Tiwana, co-secretary general of Civicus, emphasized that the watchlist focuses on republics where social liberties are under significant threat. The inclusion of the US follows questions about actions taken during the Trump management, including the crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests, attacks on democratic norms, and the erosion of fundamental privileges. While the United States has previously had a “narrowed” rating, the new classification signals that the country is moving closer to an “obstructed” status, with potential global repercussions.
Why did the United States face scrutiny over declining civic freedoms?
Mandeep Tiwana, co-secretary general of Civicus, explained the reasoning behind the US’s inclusion on the worldwide list, saying, “We remain concerned about deteriorating civic space conditions, in relation to freedoms of peaceful assembly, association, and expression.” Tiwana pointed to the Trump administration’s aggressive actions, including crackdowns on protesters and the undermining of democratic norms, as key factors that raised alarms within the international human rights community.
Civicus states that the erosion of freedoms during Trump’s term had a long-lasting effect on the rule of law, contributing to a “chilling effect” on democratic dissent. “Restrictive executive orders, unjustifiable institutional cutbacks, and intimidation tactics are creating an atmosphere that stifles democratic engagement,” Tiwana stated. This shift not only affects domestic individual liberties but also weakens the US's stance on universal citizen justices advocacy.
How will the US address concerns about its declining civic space?
As the United States faces growing scrutiny over its deteriorating public freedoms, many are asking how the country will respond to the mounting criticism. With watchdogs like Civicus highlighting the erosion of fundamental rights, there is force for the US to take meaningful action. Mandeep Tiwana from Civicus emphasized that the country must “uphold the rule of law and respect constitutional and international human rights norms” to regain its credibility on the world stage.
The path forward will require substantial reforms to protect democratic values and civil liberties. Experts believe that if the US fails to handle these problems, it risks further undermining its position as a international leader in promoting human immunities. As the situation develops, the territory will be watching closely to see if the country can restore its reputation and ensure the protection of autonomy for its citizens.