Was this really necessary?
CIVICUS, a prominent global nonprofit dedicated to defending human rights, has recently placed the United States on its monitor list of nations with potential human rights concerns. This decision, according to CIVICUS, stems directly from actions taken by President Trump since his return to the White House in January.
CIVICUS’s interim co-Secretary General, Mandeep Tiwana, expressed alarm, stating that “Restrictive executive orders, unwarranted cuts to essential institutions, and aggressive tactics used by senior officials in the administration are fostering a chilling atmosphere for democratic dissent—something that has long been a cornerstone of American values.” Tiwana further claimed that President Trump’s actions appear aimed at undermining the foundational system of checks and balances that supports American democracy.
The United States now joins countries like Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia on CIVICUS’s watchlist for 2025. The organization raised concerns about the “gross abuses of executive power,” which it says jeopardize Americans’ rights to peaceful assembly, free speech, and the right to associate freely.
Specific actions highlighted by CIVICUS include Trump’s controversial push for mass firings of federal employees, cuts to foreign aid programs, his ongoing attacks on the media, and efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian protests across the country. According to Tiwana, these actions have alarmed individuals from all political backgrounds, sparking widespread concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.
CIVICUS rates 42 countries as “narrowed” in terms of freedom, which denotes occasional violations of basic rights. The U.S. is now included in this group, alongside countries like France, Germany, and Argentina. This is a step down from the “open” category, which includes nations like Taiwan, Canada, and Japan. However, there are far more restrictive categories, including “closed,” “repressed,” and “obstructed,” with nations like Russia, North Korea, and Iran being categorized as “closed.”
CIVICUS urges governments, including the U.S., to halt any further crackdowns on freedoms and ensure accountability for those responsible for violations of civic space. In the face of these developments, Republicans must remain vigilant to preserve America’s democratic ideals and push back against any attempts to erode these foundational freedoms.