In a significant development, the United States was added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist on Sunday. CIVICUS, a network of civil society organizations like Amnesty International, voiced concerns over President Donald Trump’s approach to democratic norms and global cooperation, calling it an “assault” on these principles. CIVICUS pointed to Trump’s actions, such as slashing over 90% of foreign aid contracts and his executive actions targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Mandeep Tiwana, Interim Co-Secretary General of CIVICUS, criticized these measures, saying, “The Trump Administration seems hellbent on dismantling the system of checks and balances which are the pillars of a democratic society.” Tiwana called for the U.S. to “uphold the rule of law and respect constitutional and international human rights norms,” emphasizing that Americans across the political spectrum are disturbed by what they see as undemocratic actions from the current administration. The White House, however, has rejected CIVICUS’ assessment, with Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly dismissing it as “nonsense,” stating that President Trump is leading the most transparent administration in history.
