The administration of US President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterizing ongoing anti-government unrest as an effort to undermine the country's leadership.
Hegseth said on Thursday that the Pentagon and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) "reject all attempts to overthrow the legitimate government" of Paz, while warning that the United States was closely monitoring developments in Bolivia.
His remarks came as weeks of protests continued across the South American country amid mounting economic pressures and political tensions.
Since May, demonstrations involving workers, farmers, miners, transport operators and teachers have spread across Bolivia, with protesters blockading roads and clashing with security forces.
Many demonstrators have demanded urgent measures to address what they describe as the country's deepest economic crisis in 40 years, while some have called for Paz to resign.
The government has blamed supporters of former President Evo Morales, who faces an arrest warrant, for violence and unrest linked to the protests.
Morales has urged authorities to hold elections within 90 days as a way out of the crisis.
Political pressure on the government intensified this week when Bolivia's defense and education ministers resigned following the prolonged unrest.
Paz has also reshuffled his cabinet and pledged a 50 percent pay cut as his administration seeks to respond to public dissatisfaction.
Hegseth framed the situation as part of a wider regional battle against drug trafficking and criminal organizations.
"The United States is watching," he said.
He also warned against what he described as "narco-terrorist dominance in the region" and pledged continued support for Bolivia through the A3C security initiative.
The Trump administration has strengthened ties with Paz since his election victory, which ended nearly two decades of rule by the left-wing Movement for Socialism.
Bolivia joined the A3C initiative earlier this year as Washington expanded security cooperation with regional partners focused on crime and anti-trafficking efforts.
The latest US statement signals continued backing for Paz as protests and political tensions remain unresolved.