The Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) released a report on Tuesday stating that the United States has reached its lowest level of democratic performance since the organization began tracking data in 1975. The report, which assesses 174 countries, observed that the U.S. has experienced declines in nearly half of the 30 indicators measured by the group. Dr. Seema Shah, head of the assessment team, stated that the U.S. previously served as a model for the rule of law and judicial independence but that researchers have documented a shift in that status.
The findings are part of the annual Global State of Democracy report, which focused on performance changes between 2020 and 2025. International IDEA reported a global trend of democratic decline, characterized by drops in scores for freedom of expression, freedom of the press, credible elections, and effective parliaments. According to the organization, 57% of the countries surveyed showed a decline in at least one key indicator, with the rule of law identified as the weakest area of performance worldwide.
Regarding the U.S., the report stated that in 2025, President Donald Trump "amassed power in the executive branch" and used it for "personal goals and pursue retaliation against perceived enemies." The report concludes these actions have affected the rule of law and multilateral cooperation. Dr. Shah noted that democratic values are no longer the primary basis for new U.S. global alliances and that democratic aid previously provided to developing countries has been dismantled. The report cited President Trump's remarks at a summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last year, where he said the U.S. would no longer give other countries "lectures on how to live."
The report states that the executive branch has exerted increased control to further a narrow set of personal and retaliatory goals. Furthermore, the report notes a shift in public sentiment, suggesting that people are increasingly willing to consider non-democratic governance. Internationally, the decline in U.S. democratic norms is cited as providing "fodder" for other non-democratic leaders, potentially weakening global norms.
The long-term effects of these shifts are described as difficult to reverse. International IDEA research indicates that in 90% of cases where a country experiences a democratic decline followed by a "U-turn" or resurgence, that country suffers another decline within five years. This pattern is often attributed to new leaders being unable to deliver on promises because of the presence of the old guard. The current report covers data through 2025, and the organization will continue to monitor whether these trends persist.