Assaults on Press Freedom Are Shifting the US from a Liberal to an Electoral Democracy

When editorially reviewing recent developments, the V-Dem Institute’s 2026 Democracy Report reveals a decline in the United States’ democracy index and notes that freedom of expression is at its lowest point since World War II. The report identifies the US and 43 other countries as moving towards authoritarianism, highlighting that among the world’s five most populous countries, India, China, Indonesia, and Pakistan are already under authoritarian regimes. Researchers point out that the Trump administration intensified attacks on the media, education sector, and civil liberties, while courts can still play a crucial role in checking authoritarian measures. October 18, Kathmandu.

The V-Dem Institute, based in Sweden, published a new report indicating a persistent decline in the US democracy index. As a leading democracy research organization, the institute stated in this latest report, “There has never been a comparable rapid deterioration of democracy in the US in modern history.” The institute attributes the decline largely to growing pressure, intimidation, and suppression of the media and dissenting voices.

According to researchers, the US now ranks at its lowest level of freedom of expression since the Second World War. The 2026 annual Democracy Report by V-Dem classifies the US along with 43 other countries as descending into authoritarianism. Using data from 202 countries and territories, the researchers compiled a Liberal Democracy Index. This year’s report paints a bleak picture of increasing authoritarianism restricting citizens’ rights.

V-Dem, located at the University of Gothenburg, receives financial support from the European Commission, the World Bank, and other organizations. It has faced criticism from right-wing commentators accusing it of being ‘Soros-funded’.

The assessment reveals that among the five most populous nations, India, China, Indonesia, and Pakistan have already shifted into authoritarian regimes. The fifth nation, the US, saw its ‘Liberal Democracy’ status erode in the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, effectively relegating it to an ‘Electoral Democracy’.

Researchers note that the foundation for this decline was laid during Trump’s first term, but during the second term, efforts to centralize authority in the presidency accelerated. They report diminished protections for civil rights and a reduction in legislative oversight, as Republican-held legislatures assert stronger control.

V-Dem’s report explains that censorship has become a favored tool for authoritarian rulers. It highlights that freedom of expression is typically the first to be undermined as countries slide toward authoritarianism.

In nearly 40 countries including the US, self-censorship within the media is emerging as a significant problem. Trump has repeatedly accused news organizations and other institutions of bias against him. Nonetheless, freedom of expression in the US remains stronger than in many other countries.

The report also documents the Trump administration’s assaults on media, education, and civil liberties. However, researchers emphasize that courts, including the Supreme Court, can serve as key barriers to authoritarian actions undertaken by the administration.