US Civil Society Under Siege: Rights Watchlist Highlights Concerns During Trump’s Presidency

A recent report from Civicus has sparked concern by placing the US on a watchlist for its civic freedoms. This list includes countries like Turkey and Serbia, highlighting issues such as government actions that threaten civil society.

Civicus reported three main problems: the military’s involvement in protests, increasing restrictions on journalists, and targeting of anti-war activists, especially those supporting Palestine. The organization gave the US a “narrowed” rating for civic space. This means that while people can still gather and express themselves, they often face harassment or violence for doing so.

Mandeep Tiwana, Civicus’s secretary general, pointed out that the US seems to be sliding toward authoritarianism. He noted that peaceful protests are now met with military force. This trend poses a serious threat to the foundational freedoms that many Americans expect.

In just the last six months, the Trump administration has been accused of undermining essential democratic rights. Tiwana cited the use of military troops to respond to protests in California as a troubling move. He emphasized that such actions should not be characteristic of democratic leaders.

Moreover, the report highlights how the government is tightening its grip on the media. Recent funding cuts to public broadcasters like PBS and NPR threaten the availability of independent news. Tiwana stated that these cuts intend to limit access to accurate information for the American public.

Another alarming trend is the growing criminalization of peaceful activism. The report mentions federal actions against individuals like Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, where authorities are cracking down on voices advocating for Palestinian rights.

As we look at these developments, it’s critical to reflect on our civic freedoms. History shows that when civic space diminishes, democracy itself is at risk. Societies thrive when citizens freely express their opinions and organize for their rights.

To learn more, you can view Civicus’s ratings and findings here.

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