Lead

The Trump administration has thrown its support behind Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz, condemning "ongoing efforts" to overthrow his government as protests over economic reforms paralyze the country. Washington has pledged emergency assistance and a new anti-drug cooperation deal, while regional allies in the US-led Shield of the Americas alliance have issued a joint statement backing Paz's government.

Coverage Comparison

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth posted on social media that the US military establishment would "reject all attempts to overthrow the legitimate government" of President Paz, as Al Jazeera reported. Hegseth's remarks, carried by multiple outlets, framed the unrest as an attempted coup, with protesters — many of them teachers, miners, farmers, and union workers — described as being in league with "narco-terrorists," a term used by the administration for drug traffickers.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured Paz in a phone call that Washington was "ramping up emergency assistance and logistics operations support" to help Bolivians facing "acute food and medical shortages" due to roadblocks, according to France 24, which cited a State Department spokesman.

On Friday, the US and 12 other countries in the Shield of the Americas issued a joint statement denouncing "ongoing efforts to overthrow the legitimately and overwhelmingly elected government" of Paz, as Fox News reported. The statement stood with Paz's government "as it fights back against attempts to drag Bolivia backwards through cynical efforts to prevent the delivery of food, medicine and other vital supplies."

Bolivia has also signed a new cooperation deal with the US to combat drug trafficking, under which the US will provide up to $20m to train and equip Bolivian forces, the BBC reported. The deal marks a thaw in relations after former President Evo Morales expelled the US Drug Enforcement Administration 18 years ago.

Key Claims

  • President Rodrigo Paz was elected in Bolivia's presidential run-off in October, ending nearly two decades of governance from the Movement for Socialism, as reported by Al Jazeera and France 24.
  • Paz is facing country-wide protests and calls for his resignation, with protesters blocking streets in major cities amid economic inflation and rising fuel prices, according to multiple outlets.
  • The Trump administration has described the entire Western Hemisphere as its "neighbourhood" to patrol, a claim carried by Al Jazeera.
  • Bolivia has joined the Shield of the Americas, a US-led security initiative, as reported by the BBC and Fox News.
  • Former President Evo Morales is calling for early elections, a claim made by the BBC and Fox News.
  • The US will provide up to $20m to train and equip Bolivian forces to combat drug trafficking, as reported by the BBC.

Perspectives

US Government

The Trump administration, through the State Department and the Defense Department, has voiced unwavering support for President Paz, describing him as the legitimately elected leader and characterizing the protests as an attempted coup fueled by "narco-terrorists." Washington has pledged both rhetorical and material support, including emergency assistance and a new anti-drug cooperation deal.

Shield of the Americas

The US-led alliance, comprising 13 countries including Argentina, Chile, and the Dominican Republic, issued a joint statement condemning the "ongoing efforts" to overthrow Paz's government, warning against "mob rule" and calling for accountability for those funding protests with "dirty money" from drug trafficking.

Protesters and Former President Morales

Protesters, described by Al Jazeera as teachers, miners, farmers, and union workers, are blocking streets in major cities, demanding Paz's resignation over economic reforms that have led to inflation and fuel price surges. Former President Evo Morales, who led the country for nearly two decades before Paz's election, is calling for early elections, according to the BBC and Fox News.