The United States has been placed on the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist, a global tracker that monitors civic freedoms across 198 countries. The decision follows concerns over actions taken by the Trump administration, which critics argue are restricting freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
According to CIVICUS, a non-profit organisation advocating for civil rights, the U.S. now falls under the “narrowed” category—meaning that while citizens can generally exercise their rights, violations occur through government policies or enforcement measures.
The move aligns the U.S. with nations such as Pakistan, Serbia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which have also experienced recent declines in civic freedoms.
Concerns Over Government Policies and Media Restrictions
According to Time, the Trump administration’s governance style has prompted concerns over democratic norms. One of the key issues highlighted by CIVICUS is the dismissal of federal employees and their replacement with political loyalists. Critics argue this strategy undermines government accountability and erodes checks and balances.
The administration has also taken steps to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, describing them as “illegal and immoral discrimination programmes.”
CIVICUS has also flagged restrictions on press freedom. In February, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched an investigation into NPR and PBS over alleged violations of federal law, a move that raised concerns about government interference in public broadcasting.
Additionally, the White House announced changes to the press pool selection process, granting the administration control over which journalists are permitted to cover official briefings.
According to The Guardian, this decision has been widely condemned by media organisations, with the White House Correspondents’ Association stating that it threatens press independence.
Crackdowns on Protests and International Disengagement
Beyond domestic policies, the Trump administration’s response to public demonstrations has drawn scrutiny. CIVICUS highlighted crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protests, where demonstrators—many of them university students—faced dispersal tactics and restrictions while advocating for changes in U.S. foreign policy.
These actions, according to CIVICUS, indicate an effort to stifle dissent through policing measures and legal action.
Internationally, the administration has pursued a policy of disengagement from global institutions. According to The Independent, the administration has taken steps to consolidate power within the executive branch, including mass dismissals of federal employees and the appointment of political loyalists in key positions.
This shift has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the weakening of oversight mechanisms. Additionally, CIVICUS has pointed to cuts in federal and foreign aid, which could have implications for international human rights efforts.
The White House has rejected CIVICUS’ analysis as criticism grows. According to a government official, President Trump is in charge of “the most transparent government in history.” Rights activists, however, are nonetheless worried that recent initiatives are part of a larger trend of democratic regression.
