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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz on Tuesday asked Cuba’s foreign minister to “back off,” after the Cuban diplomat approached the podium and interrupted his remarks to the United Nations General Assembly.
“Well, we know. We know where it went. And today we’re here to share it with the world,” Waltz said, accusing the Cuban government of enriching its leaders while its people suffered.
As the Cuban delegation sought to interrupt his remarks, Waltz fired back.
“I know you don’t like hearing that,” Waltz said. “This is America, my friend. This is the United Nations. This is not your communist dictatorship. You cannot silence me.”
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Mike Waltz, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a U.N. Security Council meeting on maintaining the peace and security of Ukraine, during the 81st session of the United Nations, September 23, 2026, in New York. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla continued his way to the podium as the General Assembly president attempted to restore order, reminding delegates that they would have an opportunity to respond.
“This individual needs to get away from this podium,” Waltz said as the confrontation intensified. “He’s not going to bully me in the United States of America.
“I am the representative of the United States of America. Back off! Back off, Ambassador. Back off! This is not Havana.”
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla speaks during the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, September 26, 2026. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)
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The confrontation erupted during the General Assembly’s annual debate over the decades-old U.S. embargo on Cuba, with Waltz urging member states to reject a resolution calling for an end to the restrictions.
Waltz accused the communist government in Havana of enriching itself while blaming Washington for difficulties he said were caused by corruption and repression inside Cuba.
Delegates arrive at the 81st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly at UN Headquarters on September 22, 2026, in New York. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
After Cuba finally got the floor, the delegation’s foreign minister accused Waltz of “lying” and called on the President of the General Assembly to call him to order.
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“Mr. Waltz is lying again,” he said, arguing that the US ambassador’s remarks were “below the dignity of this forum and the member states” and were insulting to the Cuban government and people.
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