Waltz Clashes With Cuba's Foreign Minister at United Nations

A dispute over U.S. economic restrictions on Cuba escalated into a shouting match at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, when U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla confronted each other during a debate over a resolution calling for an end to the decades-old embargo.

The confrontation began after Waltz criticized Cuba's communist government, accusing its leaders of enriching themselves while the country's population faced economic hardship. Rodríguez approached the U.S. ambassador's podium, demanding recognition of a procedural objection, while the General Assembly president attempted to restore order.

Waltz defended his remarks as the Cuban delegation tried to interrupt his speech. He accused Havana's leadership of corruption and repression and argued that the government's policies, rather than Washington's restrictions, were responsible for the country's difficulties.

"Well, we know. We know where it went. And today we are here to share it to the world," Waltz said, presenting his remarks as an effort to expose the Cuban government's conduct.

As Rodríguez moved toward the podium, Waltz challenged the Cuban diplomat's attempt to interrupt him.

"This is America, my friend. This is the United Nations. This isn't your communist dictatorship. You cannot silence me," Waltz said.

Waltz then called on Rodríguez to move away from the podium as the confrontation intensified.

"I'm the representative of the United States of America. Back up! Back up, Ambassador.

Back away! This isn't Havana," Waltz said.

According to The New Republic, Rodríguez had invoked Rule 71 of the General Assembly's rules of procedure, which allows a representative to raise a point of order for the president to decide immediately. The Cuban foreign minister sought a ruling on whether the proceedings had violated those rules.

Waltz rejected the interruption, arguing that the Cuban delegation objected to his criticism rather than raising a legitimate procedural concern.

"He doesn't like the hard truths," Waltz said as Rodríguez continued pressing for recognition of his point of order.

The dispute continued as Rodríguez approached the podium and Waltz appealed to the General Assembly president.

"Mr. President, this individual needs to back away from this podium, he's not going to intimidate me in the United States of America, like he tries to do to political prisoners! I'm the representative of the United States of America, back up!" Waltz said.

Rodríguez responded directly to the American ambassador's accusations.

"You are a liar!" Rodríguez shouted.

Waltz continued demanding that the Cuban diplomat retreat from the podium as Rodríguez challenged his statements. The confrontation led to the meeting being suspended, according to The New Republic.

After Cuba was granted the floor, Rodríguez accused Waltz of making false claims and asked the General Assembly president to call the American ambassador to order.

"Mr. Waltz is lying yet again," Rodríguez said.

He also objected to the tone and substance of the American ambassador's remarks, arguing that they insulted Cuba's government and people and fell short of the standards expected in the international forum.

"Beneath the dignity of this forum and member states," Rodríguez said, describing Waltz's remarks.

The confrontation occurred as U.N. member states prepared to vote on a resolution addressing the U.S. embargo, which has restricted economic ties with Cuba for decades. Waltz urged countries to reject the measure, while the Cuban government continued seeking international opposition to the restrictions.

The New Republic reported that Rodríguez had accused Washington of pressuring other countries to oppose condemnation of the embargo. The publication also described severe conditions on the island, including fuel shortages, power outages, food and water shortages, and difficulties obtaining medicine.

The report linked those pressures to restrictions on fuel supplies and said Cuba's health care system had suffered significant damage. It cited concerns about medicine shortages and the ability of hospitals to maintain equipment, although the two accounts did not provide independently verified figures for the reported effects.

The U.S. government has maintained that its sanctions target Cuba's communist leadership. Waltz reiterated his criticism after the confrontation in a post on X, accusing Cuban leaders of concealing personal wealth while the population struggled with economic hardship.

"Don't want you to know about their luxury real estate portfolio," Waltz wrote, referring to what he described as the interests of Cuba's communist leaders.

The dispute underscored the continuing diplomatic divide over U.S. policy toward Cuba as the General Assembly considered whether to condemn the longstanding economic restrictions.