That index is a product of the institute itself. Funded by non democratic values. Worthless junk / progoganda piece if you ask me.

Then check V-Dem, you might argue they're flawed as well but then I'd suggest you to provide counterexamples for why the US should be considered a functioning democracy, and is not on the way to a fully authoritarian state.

It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely better than this lazy dismissal.