Bolivian President Evo Morales has been an elected union officer since 1988.
Wikileaks has released a confidential Feb. 19, 2008 cable in which the State Department reveals Morales’ concerns about USAID:
Bolivian President Evo Morales threatened to show USAID the door if it continues undermining his administration. As proof, Morales provided the example of a political organization that was allegedly turned down for USAID assistance due to its pro-Morales stance. He also cited unnamed groups that were asked to work against the government as a condition for assistance. Morales also argued against a free trade agreement with the U.S. and charged the U.S. of involvement in the disappearances of Bolivians during drug-related conflicts in the region of Chapare.
Morales asserted during recent months USAID has been convoking groups through implementing NGOs and offering them money with the stipulation that they work “against the Bolivian government.”