A dramatic confrontation took place at the United Nations as Mike Waltz, President Trump’s ambassador, engaged in a heated exchange with a Cuban official. This incident occurred while Waltz was addressing the contentious topic of the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba.
During his speech, Waltz launched a scathing critique of the Cuban regime, raising issues about the elite’s wealth amidst the biting poverty affecting everyday citizens. As he spoke, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla interrupted, leading to a tumultuous scene.
Intense Exchange
Waltz stood firm, demanding that Rodríguez move away from the podium as tensions escalated. He accused the Cuban government of silencing dissent while enriching themselves.
As the exchange unfolded, members of the Cuban delegation were visibly agitated, banging on their desks in protest. Waltz maintained his stance, urging the Cuban diplomat to back off, asserting, “You can come and intimidate all you want. I ask you to back away from this podium.”
The diplomatic dispute deepened when Rodríguez accused the ambassador of spreading falsehoods, shouting, “You are a liar!”
WATCH:
HOLY SMOKES. Trump UN Ambassador Mike Waltz just WENT BERSERK at the Cuban official who tried INTIMIDATING him in the middle of his remarks
“BACK AWAY. THIS ISN’T HAVANA. You’re NOT gonna intimidate ME! Do you understand who you’re dealing with? This is AMERICA…SIT DOWN.”
“I’m the representative of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA — BACK UP!”
“You can bring as many people as you want, PLEASE SIT DOWN.”
The moderator got flustered! The UN is a total crapshow!
I think these Cuban communists just KNOW what is coming. Rubio told Cubans to partner with the CIA, and they’re shook now.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 27, 2026
Despite the chaos, Waltz persisted, insisting that the Cuban official could not intimidate him and reaffirming America’s steadfast position.
Diplomatic Disputes
This clash exemplified the ongoing diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Cuba, particularly as the General Assembly deliberated on another resolution calling for the end of the embargo. Waltz contended that the economic issues Cuba faces stem from poor governance rather than U.S. policy.
Conversely, Cuban officials articulated their view that U.S. sanctions have led to significant hardship for the population on the island. Following the altercation, Waltz took to social media, highlighting the Cuban leadership’s extravagant lifestyle at the expense of its citizens.
He emphasized the regime’s corruption, remarking on their luxury assets. It’s important to note that the UN’s resolution against the embargo is nonbinding and lacks the power to alter existing U.S. laws.
