In the United States these freedoms - fundamental to our founding story - have long been enshrined in our Constitution and protected by the rule of law. Yet, today, we are witnessing an alarming and systematic assault on civic space, free expression, public institutions, and the fundamental principles of democracy by the Trump administration.

From attempts to silence dissent to attacks on organizations doing lifesaving work this administration has demonstrated a dangerous willingness to wield executive power as a weapon against those who dare to disagree. As an organization dedicated to fighting inequality and defending human rights globally, we have experienced this playbook in numerous countries first-hand and seen the dangerous consequences for communities when governments abuse power and shirk public accountability. Now we are seeing that playbook executed right here in the United States.

Attacks on Aid Organizations

One of the Trump administration’s very first actions was to suspend lifesaving foreign assistance, threatening the lives and futures of communities in crisis and abandoning the United States’ long-held bipartisan approach, which supports people based on need, regardless of politics.  President Trump’s January 20 executive order was only the beginning of his and Elon Musk’s ruthless and reckless campaign to circumvent Congress, dismantle an independent agency, and attack people who have dedicated their professional lives to helping others. While Oxfam America does not take US government funding, it is clear that the entire humanitarian sector has been upended. Millions around the world no longer have access to critical food, water, medicine, and sanitation that they need to survive.

While they take actions to decimate the ability for humanitarian workers to do their jobs, the Trump administration has worked to prevent staff and organizations from discussing the government’s orders, effectively forcing them into silence. When nonprofits and humanitarian groups are unable to speak out about the suffering they witness, the very mission of humanitarian aid is undermined. The attack on USAID was simply the Trump-Musk administration’s warning shot, a worrying sign of the power that Musk has over our democratic institutions. It became a test case for how he can further upend other vital institutions that provide critical services to Americans and people around the world.

Silencing Dissent

Nonprofit organizations have long played a critical role in helping people and advocating for policies that advance social justice, protect the environment, and uplift marginalized communities. But even these essential and lifesaving groups have come under recent attack, with attempts to grant the Trump administration, and any future administration, the ability to silence and censor its critics, curb free speech, target political opponents, and punish crucial organizations that speak truth to power.

The Trump administration has already sought to punish nonprofits that challenge its agenda by threatening their 501c3 status. Executive orders and administrative actions have explicitly warned that organizations opposing the administration’s policies—on everything from immigration to climate change—could see their federal funding revoked. This is an outrageous attempt to stifle civil society and force compliance through financial coercion.

Similarly, the administration is working to intimidate corporations and nonprofits into abandoning their commitments to equality and justice. Whether through threats of politically motivated investigations, retaliatory legal actions, or pressure campaigns, the administration has sought to make an example of those who stand for equal opportunity.

The Trump administration is also using immigration enforcement as a tool to suppress free speech. Legal permanent residents and visa holders have been targeted for their public statements and activism, with some facing deportation simply for expressing ideas the administration deems unacceptable. This is not just an attack on individuals—it is a chilling message to all who speak out against injustice: dissent will not be tolerated.

Defending Our Rights and Our Future

Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. Working in more than 75 countries with more than 2,200 local organizations, we reach more than 15 million people, offering lifesaving support in times of crisis and tackling the root causes of poverty for the long term. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive.

At Oxfam, we know that in order for people to truly thrive, a vibrant civil society is essential for holding governments accountable and driving progress on the world’s most pressing challenges. The Trump administration’s attacks on civic space, free speech, and the rule of law threaten not just individual rights but the very foundation of American democracy.

We refuse to be silenced. We will continue to stand with those whose voices are being suppressed, advocate for policies that uphold justice, and fight against the forces seeking to erode democracy.

Now is the time for all who believe in freedom, equality, and human dignity to raise their voices. This moment reminds that the right to express oneself freely is not a given—it must be defended. And together, we will do all we can to ensure that the United States remains a place where all people can speak, organize, and fight for a better future without fear.

Join us in protecting free expression. The future depends on it.