First Issue: March 27, 2025

Welcome to the first issue of Autocracy Watch.

Every week, we’ll track the erosion of democratic norms in the United States by curating and summarizing news stories that reflect the rise of authoritarian governance. We assign each story a Risk to Democracy Rating, helping you understand where the danger lies, and how serious it is.

In this inaugural issue, we cover sweeping executive actions, efforts to weaken the judiciary, and new threats to civil service protections and voting rights. You’ll also find three long-form guides: one on nonviolent resistance, one on protecting your digital privacy, and another on relocating to Spain in search of democratic stability.

This project is just beginning, and your input matters. Let us know what you’d like to see more of by replying to this email or writing us at [email protected].

Thank you for reading. Staying aware, stay engaged.

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Law firm targeted by Trump could have been ‘destroyed,’ chairman says in explaining deal with Trump

Source: AP News 

Summary: After sustained pressure from Trump and allies, a top law firm agreed to an unusual legal settlement. The firm’s chairman stated the campaign of threats risked destroying their practice, prompting a strategic deal to end the dispute.

Why it Matters: Targeting legal professionals through intimidation undermines the independence of the legal system and reflects tactics used by autocratic regimes to weaken institutional checks.

🟠 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 3 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 17/25 Risk Level: Moderate

With sweeping actions, Trump tests US constitutional order

Source: Reuters 

Summary: Trump’s return to office has brought an aggressive expansion of executive power, including threats against judges and efforts to override agency independence. Legal scholars warn this challenges the U.S. system of checks and balances at its core.

Why it Matters: Undermining judicial authority and congressional oversight threatens the separation of powers, a cornerstone of democratic governance. If normalized, these actions could permanently shift power toward the executive.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 21/25 Risk Level: High

Donald Trump and John Roberts: A president, a chief justice and a judiciary under pressure

Source: Reuters 

Summary: The complex relationship between Trump and Chief Justice Roberts reflects deep institutional strain. Roberts has publicly rebuked Trump’s impeachment calls against judges, while legal scholars warn that Trump’s disregard for constraints endangers the judiciary’s role.

Why it Matters: Open hostility toward judicial checks—especially from the executive—erodes public trust in courts and pushes democratic institutions toward a crisis of legitimacy.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: | 4 Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 19/25 Risk Level: High

The Foundations of Nonviolent Resistance: Lessons from Recent History

Curious how ordinary people have pushed back against rising authoritarianism? This guide explores the foundations of nonviolent resistance—planning, discipline, and mass participation—with lessons from real-world movements. From civil rights to global protests, learn what works, why it matters, and how peaceful action remains one of the most powerful tools to protect democracy. read now

Republicans seek impeachment of 2 more judges who stymied Trump

Source: Reuters 

Summary: House Republicans filed impeachment resolutions against two federal judges who ruled against Trump policies, citing alleged bias and constitutional violations. Legal experts and the Chief Justice warn such moves undermine judicial independence and due process.

Why it Matters: Impeaching judges for their rulings weakens the judiciary’s role as a check on executive power and mirrors tactics used by autocrats to eliminate dissent through legal manipulation.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 20/25 Risk Level: High

Trump takes challenge to judge’s federal worker rehiring order to Supreme Court

Source: Reuters 

Summary: The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to overturn a judge’s order reinstating thousands of fired probationary federal workers. The administration claims the judiciary overstepped its role in blocking executive decisions to reshape the government workforce.

Why it Matters: This legal battle tests the balance of power between branches. If executive authority to dismiss workers remains unchecked, it could weaken institutional safeguards and increase political control of public service.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 19/25 Risk Level: High

Oval Office attacks on US law come at a price

Source: Reuters 

Summary: Trump’s efforts to fire independent regulators, threaten judges, and override court rulings signal a growing disregard for rule of law. Experts warn this behavior endangers judicial independence and risks financial stability linked to U.S. governance norms.

Why it Matters: Undermining legal institutions weakens democratic accountability and damages international trust in U.S. governance—threatening both domestic rights and global stability.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 20/25 Risk Level: High

Judges face rise in threats as Musk blasts them over rulings

Source: Reuters 

Summary: Federal judges report increased threats following public attacks from Elon Musk and Trump allies. U.S. Marshals issued heightened alerts as critics call for impeachment of judges blocking executive actions, raising fears for judicial independence and safety.

Why it Matters: Coordinated verbal assaults and threats against judges erode judicial integrity and signal the normalization of intimidation as a political tactic—hallmarks of democratic backsliding.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 20/25 Risk Level: High

FEMA Set for Elimination, Noem Says, Amid Bipartisan House Reform Proposal

Source: GovExec 

Summary: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the Trump administration’s intent to eliminate FEMA, citing inefficiency. A bipartisan bill instead proposes making FEMA a Cabinet-level agency. Legal authority for unilateral elimination remains unclear.

Why it Matters: Efforts to dismantle or centralize emergency management without legislative process erode institutional stability and pose risks to coordinated federal disaster response—core functions of a responsive democracy.

🟠 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 3 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 3 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 17/25 Risk Level: Moderate

House Dems Cite ‘Fundamental Conflict’ of Rubio’s Acting Appointments Atop USAID and National Archives

Source: GovExec 

Summary: House Democrats are challenging Marco Rubio’s simultaneous appointments over the State Department, USAID, and the National Archives. Concerns escalated after reports of planned document destruction, raising alarms over conflicts of interest and compromised federal records oversight.

Why it Matters: Concentrating authority across independent agencies—especially those handling public records—compromises oversight, transparency, and accountability, which are foundational to democratic governance.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 19/25 Risk Level: High

Moving to Spain from the United States: Your Complete Relocation Guide

Thinking about a fresh start abroad? This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know about relocating to Spain from the U.S.—visas, housing, healthcare, finances, and more. Whether you’re seeking stability, adventure, or a better quality of life, discover how to make your move to Spain smooth, legal, and rewarding. read now

Judge Bars DOGE Access to Sensitive Personal Information at 3 Federal Agencies

Source: GovExec 

Summary: A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Education, OPM, and Treasury Departments from sharing sensitive personal data with DOGE, citing likely violations of the Privacy Act and improper administrative procedures.

Why it Matters: Granting sweeping data access without legal safeguards undermines privacy rights and democratic accountability—especially when used to target or monitor political opponents.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 19/25 Risk Level: High

Trump Memo Grants Government-Wide Firing Power to OPM

Source: GovExec 

Summary: A new presidential memo grants OPM broad authority to fire federal employees after their probationary period, bypassing agency oversight. Critics argue it’s a power grab to punish dissenters and sidestep court rulings limiting mass terminations.

Why it Matters: Centralizing firing authority under politically aligned leadership threatens civil service neutrality, enables retaliation against dissent, and mirrors authoritarian purges of public institutions.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 21/25 Risk Level: High

Trump Signs Order Directing the Education Secretary to Shut Down Department

Source: GovExec 

Summary: President Trump signed an executive order to shut down the Department of Education, citing a return of control to states. The order has drawn immediate legal and political opposition over its threat to civil rights enforcement and federal education funding.

Why it Matters: Attempting to dismantle a federal agency by executive order—especially one that protects civil rights—undermines legislative authority and poses serious risks to equitable access to education.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 21/25 Risk Level: High

GSA to ‘Quadruple’ in Size to Centralize Procurement Across the Government

Source: GovExec 

Summary: A new executive order expands the General Services Administration’s authority to centralize procurement, managing up to $400 billion in contracts. The move coincides with major staff layoffs and increased use of AI to cut workforce costs.

Why it Matters: Centralized procurement under a downsized, politically influenced agency risks reducing transparency and accountability in public spending—conditions that can foster cronyism and undermine democratic oversight.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 18/25 Risk Level: High

Trump Order Puts States at the Forefront of Cyber and Natural Disaster Response

Source: GovExec 

Summary: A new executive order shifts responsibility for disaster and cybersecurity preparedness from the federal government to state and local authorities. Critics warn this could strain budgets and weaken national coordination during emergencies.

Why it Matters: Decentralizing disaster response may reduce federal oversight and resources, leaving vulnerable communities without adequate protection and undermining equal access to crisis support.

🟠 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 3 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 3 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 17/25 Risk Level: Moderate

Regional Boards for Federal Agency Coordination Officially Disbanded

Source: GovExec 

Summary: A Trump executive order dissolved the Federal Executive Boards, long used to coordinate regional agency responses and emergency efforts. Established in 1961, these boards supported collaboration during major crises and training for thousands of public servants.

Why it Matters: Eliminating these regional coordination hubs weakens crisis response infrastructure and erodes long-standing systems that ensure interagency cooperation, preparedness, and continuity of government.

🟠 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 3 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 3 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 16/25 Risk Level: Moderate

Democratic state attorneys general denounce Trump targeting law firms, judges

Source: Reuters 

Summary: Over 20 Democratic attorneys general condemned Trump’s executive orders against law firms and calls to impeach judges as retribution for opposing him. They warned the intimidation tactics threaten judicial independence and the legal profession’s integrity.

Why it Matters: Retaliating against law firms and judges erodes the rule of law and fosters fear-based compliance—tactics commonly used in authoritarian regimes to dismantle institutional resistance.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 21/25 Risk Level: High

How to Secure Your Devices Against Government Surveillance

Worried about digital surveillance? This practical guide shows you how to secure your devices and protect your privacy in an era of expanding government oversight. From encrypted messaging to safe browsing habits, learn the essential tools and steps you can take right now to defend your digital freedom and stay one step ahead. read now

ABA, other bar groups urge attorneys to ‘stand for the rule of law’

Source: Reuters 

Summary: The American Bar Association and 55 legal groups issued a joint statement urging lawyers to defend judicial independence amid Trump’s executive orders targeting firms and judges. They warned against remaining silent in the face of government retaliation.

Why it Matters: Coordinated retaliation against legal professionals challenges the justice system’s independence, a foundational democratic principle, and intimidates those tasked with holding power accountable.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 19/25 Risk Level: High

Why target these law firms? For Trump, it’s personal

Source: Reuters 

Summary: Trump’s executive orders targeting major law firms stem from personal grievances with attorneys linked to past investigations. Firms face revoked security access and canceled federal contracts, raising legal and ethical concerns across the profession.

🔴 Why it Matters: Using presidential authority to retaliate against individual lawyers and firms undermines judicial independence and weaponizes government power for personal vendettas—core warning signs of authoritarian behavior.

Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 21/25 Risk Level: High

US conservative, Democratic lawyers urge Bondi to defend lawyers and firms

Source: Reuters 

Summary: Over 700 lawyers from across the political spectrum urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to defend the legal profession against Trump’s attacks on major law firms and judges. They emphasized the need to protect lawyers from retaliation for fulfilling their duties.

Why it Matters: Broad legal pushback signals the legal profession’s alarm over threats to rule of law. If government retaliation becomes normalized, it undermines the judiciary’s role as a check on power.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 5 | Final Score: 20/25 Risk Level: High

Trump’s firings of federal workers with DEI jobs were illegal, complaint claims

Source: Reuters 

Summary: A new class-action complaint alleges that federal workers were unlawfully fired for supporting DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies. The complaint, led by a former OPM official, claims the terminations violated constitutional rights and targeted political views.

Why it Matters: Politically motivated firings of civil servants erode neutrality in public service and set a precedent for ideological purges—tactics historically used to dismantle democratic institutions.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 21/25 Risk Level: High

Trump administration detains Turkish student at Tufts, revokes visa

Source: Reuters

Summary: A Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University was detained and had her visa revoked after publicly supporting Palestinians. Despite a court order, she was moved out of state, sparking legal backlash and protests over free speech violations.

Why it Matters: Targeting students for political speech undermines constitutional rights and sets a dangerous precedent of state retaliation against dissent—core tactics in autocratic regimes.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 21/25 Risk Level: High

Trump signs order seeking to overhaul US elections, including requiring proof of citizenship

Source: AP News 

Summary: President Trump signed an executive order to implement sweeping election changes, including mandatory proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Critics argue the order will disenfranchise eligible voters and faces legal challenges from civil rights groups.

Why it Matters: Overhauling voting access through executive action bypasses legislative oversight, risks voter suppression, and undermines trust in electoral systems—key pillars of democratic participation.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 22/25 Risk Level: High

Trump signed an order to reshape how elections in the US are run. Is it constitutional?

Source: AP News 

Summary: Legal experts are questioning the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order mandating voter ID and proof of citizenship in federal elections. Critics argue the order bypasses Congress, interferes with state authority, and could disenfranchise millions.

Why it Matters: Federal overreach in election policy threatens state sovereignty and voter access, weakening democratic institutions and concentrating electoral control in the executive branch.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 22/25 Risk Level: High

Georgia fight over election rules resurfaces in last-minute legislation

Source: AP News 

Summary: Georgia lawmakers introduced last-minute legislation proposing changes to election rules, including restrictions on absentee voting and new ID requirements. Voting rights advocates warn these measures could suppress turnout, especially among marginalized groups.

Why it Matters: Sudden changes to election law without public input risk undermining voter confidence and disproportionately impacting access—especially in communities already facing barriers to participation.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 19/25 Risk Level: High

Turkish student at Tufts University is latest Palestinian supporter swept up in US crackdown

Source: AP News 

Summary: A Turkish student at Tufts University was detained amid broader federal crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activists. The student’s visa was revoked, and their detention has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups concerned about freedom of speech and due process.

Why it Matters: Targeting students based on political beliefs threatens core democratic protections, including free speech and academic freedom—especially when used to silence dissenting voices.

🔴 Risk to Democracy Rating: Severity: 5 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 21/25 Risk Level: High

That’s all for this week.

Thanks for staying alert and informed. The fight to protect democracy is a long game, and we’re glad to be in it with you. If this newsletter helped you feel more prepared, share it with a friend.

Until next week,

The Autocracy Watch Team