Summary
The United States' rating for civic freedom, which measures how freely people can engage in society, has been downgraded to "obstructed" by Civicus, a global organization. This change is due to reports of increased governmental interference with citizens' rights to gather, protest, and express themselves, along with actions like surveillance and restrictive laws under President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
- The U.S. civic freedom rating was changed from "narrowed" to "obstructed."
- This rating means citizens can still organize, but face interference such as surveillance and force.
- Reports highlight heavy-handed law enforcement tactics, including tear gas and arrests.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests saw military-style responses.
- Campus activism, particularly for Palestinian causes, faces threats and investigations.
- Media freedoms are reportedly under pressure, with threats to broadcast licenses.
- The U.S. joins 39 other countries with an "obstructed" rating this year.
