US warns against attempts to overthrow Bolivian president
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday voiced support for Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz and warned against efforts to undermine the country's leadership, as anti-government protests force key cabinet resignations amid the South American nation's worst economic crisis in four decades.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday issued a stern warning against any attempts to overthrow Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz's government, pledging Washington's support for the embattled administration as it faces mounting pressure from widespread anti-government protests.
US backs Paz government
Hegseth said the Pentagon and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) "reject all attempts to overthrow the legitimate government" of Paz, according to his statement on social media. "The United States is watching," he added, framing the situation as part of a broader regional struggle against drug trafficking organizations and criminal networks.
Cabinet resignations
Bolivia's defense and education ministers stepped down on Tuesday following weeks of demonstrations by workers, farmers, miners, and teachers demanding urgent action to address the deepest economic crisis in 40 years. The protests have called for Paz to resign as the administration struggles to maintain stability.
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Morales factor
The Paz administration has blamed supporters of former President Evo Morales — who faces an arrest warrant — for the violence and unrest gripping the country. Morales has countered by calling on the government to hold elections within 90 days as a solution to the political turmoil.
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