• The U.S. has been added to the Civicus Monitor Watchlist due to concerns about threats to civic freedoms like free speech and peaceful assembly.
• Actions under former President Trump, including restrictive protest measures and federal aid freezes, are cited as key factors.
• Civicus warns of a potential deterioration in democratic principles, urging the U.S. to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

The United States is no stranger to global attention, but its recent addition to the Civicus Monitor Watchlist has sparked serious conversation about the state of civic freedoms in the country. The move has raised questions about how freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association are being handled under the current administration. Civicus, an international organization committed to strengthening civil society worldwide, revealed this development as part of their latest 2025 Watchlist release, which also includes countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia.

So, what does this mean for the U.S., and why does it matter? Let’s break it down.

What Is the Civicus Watchlist?

To start, the Civicus Monitor is a global tool that evaluates the state of civic freedoms in 198 countries. By classifying nations into five categories—open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed, and closed—it provides critical insights into where freedoms are under threat. The Watchlist identifies countries experiencing rapid declines in these freedoms. Currently, the U.S. holds a “narrowed” rating, indicating that while citizens can generally exercise fundamental rights, violations occasionally happen.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Why Was the U.S. Added to the List?

According to Civicus, the decision to include the U.S. on the 2025 Watchlist largely stems from actions taken by President Donald Trump. These actions reportedly threaten core democratic principles. Civicus specifically cited several controversial moves, including:

• Mass terminations of federal employees
• Appointment of political loyalists to key government roles
• Withdrawal from international organizations like the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council
• Freezing of federal and foreign aid programs
• Restrictive measures targeting environmental and pro-Palestinian protesters

These policies, Civicus argues, could reverse hard-won human rights achievements both at home and abroad.

The Bigger Picture: Impacts on Civic Freedoms

Civicus warns that these actions are likely to impact freedoms tied to peaceful protests, free speech, and association. For instance, President Trump‘s administration has faced criticism for restricting media access to press briefings and enacting state laws that limit environmental protests. Such measures, they argue, create a chilling effect on dissent, eroding what many see as cherished American ideals.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Reflecting on these developments, Civicus co-secretary general Mandeep Tiwana described the situation as an “unparalleled attack on the rule of law” not seen since McCarthyism. He noted that restrictive executive orders and intimidation tactics contribute to a climate of fear for anyone opposing the administration.

A Historical Perspective: Shifting Ratings and Policies

Under President Trump‘s initial term, the U.S. was even categorized as “obstructed” due to its response to Black Lives Matter protests and the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). When President Biden took office, the U.S. returned to its current “narrowed” status. However, Civicus now warns of a “significant deterioration” in civic freedoms, suggesting the U.S. may slide back into the “obstructed” category.

Why This Matters Globally

Historically, the U.S. has been seen as a beacon for democracy and human rights, even with its flaws. However, Tiwana stressed that recent actions by Donald Trump could embolden authoritarian regimes globally. He argues that such policies risk undermining constitutional values and empowering those who prioritize personal power above all else.

What Can Be Done?

Civicus urges the U.S. to uphold the rule of law and adhere to constitutional and international human rights norms. As the nation continues to draw global scrutiny, the responsibility to protect civic freedoms lies with its leaders and citizens alike.

Share Your Thoughts

How do you feel about the U.S. being added to the Civicus Monitor Watchlist? Are these concerns justified, or do they paint an incomplete picture? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this article and explore more stories from The Dupree Report. Your voice matters—join the conversation!

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10