According to Freedom House, a Washington-based organization, global freedom has been declining for 20 consecutive years, marking this a dismal achievement. The report states that the US, while still considered a free country, saw its score drop to 81 out of 100, the lowest since tracking began in 1972. This places the US on par with South Africa and below several of its European allies, South Korea, and Panama.

The report highlights issues contributing to the decline in the US's freedom score, notably legislative gridlock and the dominance of executive power. It points to increased pressure on individuals' ability to express opinions freely, alongside new efforts by the current administration to weaken anti-corruption measures. The situation has deteriorated under former President Donald Trump, who aggressively pursued his presidential powers, ordered the closure of entire government agencies, and dispatched armed agents to various locations across the country for immigration enforcement.

This decline in freedom in the US not only raises concerns domestically but also suggests implications for its role as a global leader in advocating for democracy and human rights. As Lithuania and other nations maintain or improve their freedom scores, the contrast underscores a troubling trend in the US that could affect its international standing and influence. The report thus calls for a reevaluation of both domestic policies and international approaches to support freedom and democracy.