CIVICUS Places USA on Watchlist Over Eroding Civic Freedoms

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The CIVICUS Monitor has added the United States of America to its Watchlist of countries facing serious challenges to civic freedoms, citing the Trump administration’s recent actions as a detrimental assault on democratic norms and global cooperation.

The announcement, made on March 10, 2025, points to numerous executive orders that have led to mass firings of federal employees and the appointment of Trump loyalists to key governmental positions, including the Justice Department and the FBI. These moves are anticipated to significantly impact the constitutional rights of peaceful assembly, expression, and association.

“This is an unparalleled attack on the rule of law in the United States, not seen since the days of McCarthyism in the twentieth century,” stated Mandeep Tiwana, Interim Co-Secretary General of CIVICUS. “Restrictive executive orders, unjustifiable institutional cutbacks, and intimidation tactics from senior officials in the administration are creating a chill on democratic dissent, a cherished American ideal.”

The CIVICUS Watchlist for 2025 includes countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia, all of which face deteriorating civic spaces. As a former leader in democracy promotion, the U.S. has seen its reputation compromised owing to a reduction in international cooperation, notably withdrawing support from agencies such as the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council.

In addition to international ramifications, local protest repressions have intensified. At least 12 states have enacted or proposed laws that restrict protests, including criminalizing mask-wearing during demonstrations. These laws have faced criticism for disproportionately targeting civic expression, particularly among pro-Palestinian activists, many of whom have experienced penalties and visa cancellations.

Federal funding cuts have also significantly threatened civil society organizations, particularly those working with marginalized communities. The Trump administration’s decision to freeze federal aid and targets such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) poses serious risks to humanitarian efforts globally.

Calls for accountability grow louder amid fears of broad overhauls to U.S. foreign aid policies. Advocacy groups have warned that current legislation could undermine protections for vulnerable activists abroad and threaten the integrity of civil society organizations.

Press freedoms have also come into focus as the administration controls which media organizations attend press briefings. Notably, journalists from the Associated Press have been barred from accessing White House events. “We urge the United States to uphold the rule of law and respect constitutional and international human rights norms,” Tiwana added, echoing concerns raised by a myriad of advocacy groups across the political spectrum.

Previously, the U.S. was classified as having “narrowed” civic space by the CIVICUS Monitor, reflecting ongoing violations of democratic freedoms. Observers noted that while individuals are still able to exercise their rights, various government restrictions have arisen that undercut these freedoms.

CIVICUS, an international organization focused on promoting civil society and citizen participation, utilizes extensive data monitoring to ascertain the state of civic rights around the globe. The new 2025 watchlist offers essential insights into the current trajectory of freedoms in several countries, and will continue to advocate for improvements in civic spaces worldwide.