The US has been added to Civicus's monitor list for potential human rights threats. This says the global nonprofit has been directly linked to President Trump's actions since returning to the White House in January.
“The intimidation tactics by threatening restrictive executive orders, unfair institutional cuts, and declarations by senior administration officials create an atmosphere that will cool down the precious American ideal of democratic opponents.” said in a statement. “The Trump administration appears to be troubled by dismantling the system of checks and balance, which is the pillar of a democratic society.”
The US joined the Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy, Pakistan and Serbia with the first Civicus watch update in 2025.
“The total abuse of enforcement raises serious concerns about peaceful assembly, expression and freedom of associations.” The group wrote of US ratings.
Civicus specifically pointed to Trump's push for mass shootings by federal workers, the dismantling of foreign aid programs, handling the media, and his efforts across the country to curb Palestinian protests.
“Americans on the political spectrum are appalled by the undemocratic actions of the current administration,” Tiwana said.
According to Civicus, the monitor list “focuses on countries where there is a severe decline in civic space based on Civicus Monitor's findings, research partners and reviews in consultation with ground activists.”
“Civicus calls on these governments to do everything in their power to quickly end the ongoing crackdown and ensure that perpetrators are considered,” the organization said in it. Updated News Release.
That's what the US is Of 42 countries Civicus is rated as “fine” freedom. This was the second tier of the “open” group, which was used to mean a country where citizens sometimes face violations of their fundamental rights.
“Closure”, “Suppressed” and “Intervention” are the most restrictive layers. Thirty countries, including Russia, North Korea and Iran, are classified as “closed.”
Other countries rated as “narrow” include France, Germany and Argentina.
Countries considered “open” include Taiwan, Canada, Japan and Denmark.
