WASHINGTON.: The United States has recorded its lowest-ever score on the global freedom index, according to a new report released by Freedom House, marking a significant moment in the country’s democratic trajectory.
The Washington-based pro-democracy watchdog reported that the US scored 81 out of 100 in its latest assessment—its weakest performance since the index began tracking global freedom levels in 1972.
While the country continues to be classified as “free,” the decline reflects growing concerns over governance and civil liberties. Freedom House attributed the drop to a combination of legislative gridlock and an increasingly dominant executive branch.
The report also highlighted mounting pressure on freedom of expression and attempts by the current administration to weaken anti-corruption mechanisms. President Donald Trump’s assertive use of executive powers has drawn particular attention.
His administration has taken steps such as dismantling certain federal agencies and deploying heavily armed immigration enforcement units domestically, actions critics say risk undermining democratic norms. The White House, however, has defended these measures as necessary for national security and governance, according to AFP.
Globally, the report paints an even bleaker picture. Freedom declined worldwide for the 20th consecutive year in 2025, with only 21% of the global population living in countries classified as “free.” Analysts point to political instability, military coups, and suppression of dissent—especially across parts of Africa—as major contributors to this downward trend.
Cathryn Grothe, a senior research analyst at Freedom House and co-author of the report, noted that the global democratic landscape is steadily deteriorating. She emphasized that while some nations remain stable, fewer countries are transitioning toward greater freedom, and more are slipping into authoritarian categories.
Despite the overall decline, there were a few positive developments. Bolivia, Malawi, and Fiji were upgraded to “free” status after making progress in electoral processes and strengthening the rule of law.
At the top of the rankings, Finland stood out as the only country to achieve a perfect score of 100, reflecting strong democratic institutions and civil liberties. In stark contrast, South Sudan ranked at the bottom with a score of zero.
Among the steepest declines was Guinea-Bissau, where a military takeover disrupted the electoral process shortly after voting had begun.
Founded in 1941, Freedom House has long been a key voice in monitoring democratic standards worldwide. Although historically supported by US government funding, the organization has faced significant budget reductions in recent years as part of broader cuts to democracy promotion initiatives.
