The United States has experienced a significant decline in civic freedoms, according to the latest annual assessment by the Civicus Monitor. The Johannesburg-based research organization downgraded the nation’s rating to “obstructed” status, placing it alongside countries like Gabon, Mauritania, and Senegal in terms of civil liberties protection.
The comprehensive People Power Under Attack report evaluates civic space conditions worldwide based on data gathered from civil society organizations and human rights groups. This year’s findings reveal a concerning trend of deteriorating democratic institutions in the US, particularly following the return of President Donald Trump to office.
Key factors contributing to the downgrade include the suppression of Palestine solidarity activism, aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting immigrant communities, and increasing press censorship. The report documents a pattern of militarized responses to large-scale protests and systematic efforts to undermine democratic norms through executive actions.
Notably, the assessment highlights widespread censorship measures, including the cancellation of major talk shows, funding reductions for independent media outlets, and restricted White House press access. Judicial harassment and political interference have created a challenging environment for free expression and assembly.
Globally, fourteen other countries faced similar downgrades, with Argentina, France, Germany, Italy, and Israel among those moved to either “obstructed” or “repressed” categories. Switzerland declined from “open” to “narrowed,” while Burundi, Oman, and Sudan received the lowest possible classification as “closed” societies.
The crackdown on Palestine solidarity efforts emerged as a particularly significant factor in the global rankings. The report details disproportionate measures against academic institutions, including disciplinary actions against students and faculty, funding freezes, and suspension of student organizations.
Additionally, the assessment criticizes US sanctions against International Criminal Court officials, Palestinian human rights organizations, and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. The report concludes with recommendations for governments worldwide to create enabling environments for civil society, recognize minority group needs, and investigate law enforcement excesses.