Deterioration of Civic Health and AI Regulation Under Trump Administration

A coalition of global civil society organizations, led by Civicus, has downgraded the United States’ civic health rating from “narrowed” to “obstructed.” This change, announced in a report released on December 9, 2025, reflects a significant decline in fundamental freedoms, attributed to a series of executive actions, restrictive laws, and crackdowns on free speech and dissent under President Donald Trump. Civicus categorizes the U.S. as “obstructed,” indicating that while civil society organizations exist, they face substantial state interference, including illegal surveillance and bureaucratic harassment. The report highlights the militarized response to protests, particularly the deployment of the National Guard in cities like Los Angeles, and the targeting of free speech on college campuses, especially regarding Palestinian solidarity activism.

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Mandeep Tiwana, Civicus’s Secretary General, expressed alarm over the backsliding on rule of law and fundamental freedoms in the U.S., urging the government to uphold civic freedoms enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The report places the U.S. alongside 39 other countries rated as “obstructed,” including Hungary and Brazil. Critics argue that the Trump administration's actions reflect a systematic attempt to dominate the media landscape and silence independent journalism, with specific reference to threats against public broadcasters and lawsuits against media companies.

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In a separate development, President Trump announced plans to issue an executive order aimed at preempting state laws on artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative seeks to establish a uniform federal policy to eliminate the regulatory patchwork that has emerged across states. Trump emphasized the need for a singular rulebook to maintain U.S. leadership in AI, stating that the current state-level regulations hinder innovation and competitiveness. The draft order directs the U.S. Attorney General to challenge state laws and withhold federal funding from states that impose their own regulations.

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Critics of the proposed executive order, including legal experts and safety advocates, argue that such federal intervention could undermine accountability for AI companies, potentially leading to consumer harm. Concerns have been raised about the lack of oversight in a rapidly evolving technology that impacts various aspects of life, from healthcare to personal safety. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis labeled the initiative as “federal government overreach,” asserting that it would prevent states from safeguarding against potential risks associated with AI technologies.

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While the Trump administration promotes the executive order as a means to enhance competitiveness, there is significant pushback from various stakeholders, including tech safety organizations and labor groups. These groups have expressed fears that deregulation could favor large tech companies at the expense of public safety and consumer rights. The debate continues over the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring adequate protections for citizens.

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• “Speaking about the latest classification, Mandeep Tiwana, Civivus’s secretary general, said: “The backsliding on rule of law and fundamental freedoms in the United States is truly alarming.” — Mandeep Tiwana, Secretary General, Civicus

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• “There must be only One Rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in AI,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

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The developments surrounding civic health and AI regulation under the Trump administration illustrate a complex interplay of governance, public safety, and civil liberties, raising critical questions about the future of democratic freedoms in the United States.

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