The United States has been added to a global human rights watchlist, a decision that highlights growing concerns over civil freedoms under the leadership of President Donald Trump. Non-profit organization CIVICUS, known for its advocacy on human rights, placed the U.S. on its 2025 Monitor Watchlist, citing threats to civil liberties and a growing erosion of democratic norms during Trump’s tenure.
CIVICUS’ latest report places the U.S. in its “narrowed” category, a rating given to countries where freedoms are increasingly restricted. This category is the second-highest tier, with “open” being the top ranking and “closed” indicating the worst conditions for civil freedoms. The U.S. now shares this classification with countries such as Albania, Liberia, and Poland.
The report also notes concerning shifts in other countries’ human rights standings. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Pakistan were categorized as “repressed,” Italy was placed in the “narrowed” category, and Serbia was ranked as “obstructed.”
Impact of Trump’s Policies on Civil Freedoms
CIVICUS outlined that its decision to add the U.S. to the Watchlist stems from significant declines in civil rights protections during the Trump administration. The report points to “unprecedented executive orders” aimed at undermining democratic institutions, the rule of law, and international cooperation. The Trump administration’s cuts to federal funding for key organizations, dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, and policies reversing progress on justice, inclusion, and diversity were all flagged as major contributing factors to the U.S.’s downgraded status.
Mandeep Tiwana, interim co-secretary general of CIVICUS, emphasized the severity of these actions, comparing them to McCarthyism—a period of intense anti-communist sentiment and government overreach in the 1950s. Tiwana stated, “This is an unparalleled attack on the rule of law in the United States, not seen since the days of McCarthyism in the twentieth century.”
Tiwana also pointed to the administration’s use of “restrictive executive orders,” institutional cutbacks, and what he described as “intimidation tactics” aimed at silencing dissent. He argued that these actions have created an atmosphere that stifles democratic expression, which he called “a cherished American ideal.”
Concerns Over Trump’s Undemocratic Actions
CIVICUS criticized the Trump administration for its attempts to dismantle the checks and balances that form the foundation of a democratic society. The organization urged the U.S. to “uphold the rule of law” and adhere to constitutional and international human rights standards. Tiwana also expressed concerns about the broad condemnation of the Trump administration’s undemocratic actions across the political spectrum in the U.S.
“Americans across the political spectrum are appalled by the undemocratic actions of the current administration,” Tiwana said.
Transgender Rights and Executive Orders
One of the areas that came under increasing scrutiny during the Trump presidency was the treatment of transgender individuals. From the beginning of his term, Trump made statements that critics say marginalized transgender people. In his inaugural address, Trump famously declared there were only two genders—“male and female”—and vowed to end policies aimed at “socially engineering race and gender into every aspect of public and private life.”
The Trump administration’s stance on transgender rights and related policies became a point of contention. Among the controversial actions taken by the administration were executive orders that sought to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, rescind birthright citizenship, and withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization. The Trump administration also issued pardons for individuals convicted in connection to the events of January 6, 2021, which further divided public opinion.
As the U.S. faces increasing scrutiny over its human rights record, the inclusion of the country on the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges to civil liberties and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions in the face of political pressures. The assessment calls for renewed attention to the state of human rights within the U.S. and for greater efforts to uphold freedoms that have long been central to the nation’s identity.
