Overview
- CIVICUS says the downgrade reflects a sharp deterioration of fundamental freedoms following recent executive measures and new restrictions on dissent.
- The report points to militarized responses to protests, including deployments of the National Guard and federal agents such as ICE, with a federal judge ruling the Los Angeles troop deployment unlawful.
- Universities are cited for suspending groups and launching investigations into pro‑Palestinian activism, with foreign‑born students and faculty facing disciplinary actions and visa revocations.
- Media pressures highlighted include FCC threats to revoke broadcast licenses, lawsuits against news outlets, cuts to public broadcasting funds and the launch of the White House Wire site.
- The United States now sits with 39 countries in the “obstructed” category after an earlier watchlist warning this year, as CIVICUS warns of a rapid authoritarian shift and urges a course correction.