Question

the attempted coup against the soviet government in 1991 was led by
the united states.
boris yeltsin.
citizens angered by shortages.
communist hardliners.

Explanation:

The 1991 Soviet coup was organized by Communist Party hardliners who opposed Mikhail Gorbachev's reform policies, seeking to preserve the Soviet Union's communist system. The other options are incorrect: the U.S. was not involved, Boris Yeltsin opposed the coup, and citizen shortages were not the leadership of this specific coup attempt.

Answer:

Communist hardliners.