Sharp Deterioration of Civic Freedoms

In a report released on Tuesday, Civicus, a non-profit organization that monitors civic freedoms in 198 countries, categorized the U.S. as “obstructed.” The group cited a “sharp deterioration of fundamental freedoms in the country,” leading to this significant classification shift. This rating reflects concerns following a year marked by extensive executive actions, restrictive laws, and aggressive crackdowns on free speech and dissent.

Understanding the “Obstructed” Status

The change in classification comes just months after Civicus’s July assessment, where the U.S. was rated as “narrowed,” one level above “obstructed.” Civicus assigns scores based on civic space conditions across five classifications: “open,” “narrowed,” “obstructed,” “repressed,” and “closed.” An “obstructed” ranking suggests that while civil society organizations exist, they face significant challenges from state actors, including illegal surveillance and bureaucratic harassment.

Concerns Over Public Protests and Law Enforcement

As described in the report, citizens may organize and assemble peacefully but are increasingly vulnerable to excessive force by law enforcement agencies, such as rubber bullets and tear gas.

Additionally, media freedoms are under significant pressure. Although there is some space for non-state media and editorial independence, journalists face risks of physical attacks and criminal defamation charges, which can lead to self-censorship.

Militarized Crackdowns and Free Speech Restrictions

The report highlights recent militarized crackdowns on protests, notably the deployment of the National Guard in cities like Los Angeles during Donald Trump’s presidency. It also addresses the use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at gatherings and within immigrant communities.

Particularly alarming are the escalating restrictions on free speech at college campuses, especially regarding Palestinian solidarity activism. Universities have reportedly suspended student groups and initiated investigations under vague accusations of “material support for terrorism,” disproportionately affecting foreign-born students and faculty.

Government Policy and Media Landscapes

According to Civicus, media freedoms are under increasing threat nationwide. The report cites the Federal Communications Commission’s threats to revoke broadcast licenses and Trump’s various lawsuits against media companies as factors in this deteriorating environment. Furthermore, the revocation of funding for public broadcasters such as NPR and PBS, coupled with the establishment of the White House Wire—a government-run news website—demonstrates a systematic effort to dominate the media landscape and silence independent journalism.

Calls for Reform and Civic Engagement

Mandeep Tiwana, Civicus’s Secretary General, expressed alarm over the U.S.’s regression regarding the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. “We are witnessing a rapid and systematic attempt to stifle civic freedoms that Americans have come to take for granted,” he stated. As the nation prepares to commemorate 250 years since the American Revolution, Tiwana urges government officials to uphold the civic freedoms enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.