4. Ngo Dinh Diem, South Vietnam (1963)
In 1963, the United States supported a military coup against South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, citing his repressive regime and the escalating conflict with communist forces. The coup led to Diem’s ouster and assassination, deepening American involvement in Vietnam’s escalating conflict. The U.S. government’s role in the coup has been documented in declassified communications, including a telegram from the U.S. Embassy in Saigon reporting on the coup’s progress. (history.state.gov)
