U.S. Warns Narco-Terrorists, Backs Bolivia Government Amid Coup Claims
On Thursday, June 4, 2026, U.S. officials warned narco-terrorists against backing an alleged attempt to oust Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz and pledged public support for his constitutional government.[1]
War Secretary Pete Hegseth posted that the U.S. and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition oppose any attempt to overthrow Paz.[1] Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau publicly characterized the unrest as a coup attempt backed by criminals and drug traffickers and pledged U.S. support for Bolivia's constitutional order.[1]
Bolivia has seen weeks of protests over inflation, an agribusiness land reform law and fuel subsidy cuts that raised prices by about 90%.[1] Those demonstrations prompted the defense minister to resign on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Former President Evo Morales, who faces an arrest warrant, has called for early elections within 90 days and warned Paz could resort to militarization.[1]
Washington's public support signals concern that criminal networks could exploit the unrest. U.S. statements appear aimed at deterring any further attempts to seize power while bolstering Bolivia's constitutional authorities.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, June 4, 2026, War Secretary Pete Hegseth posted that the U.S. and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition oppose any attempt to overthrow Bolivia's Rodrigo Paz government.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau publicly characterized the unrest as a coup attempt backed by criminals and drug traffickers and pledged support for Bolivia's constitutional government.
- Bolivia has seen weeks of protests over inflation, an agribusiness land reform law, and fuel subsidy cuts that raised prices by about 90%, prompting the defense minister's resignation on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
- Former President Evo Morales, facing an arrest warrant, has called for early elections within 90 days, warning Paz could resort to militarization.
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