Shouting Match at UN as Waltz Tells Cuban Foreign Minister to 'Back Up' at Podium

A debate at the United Nations General Assembly over the long-running U.S. embargo on Cuba descended into a confrontation on Tuesday, when U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz ordered Cuba's foreign minister to "back up" after the diplomat approached the podium during his remarks.

The clash took place during the General Assembly's annual debate on the decades-old restrictions. Waltz used his time to urge member states to reject a resolution calling for an end to the embargo.

In his speech, Waltz accused Cuba's communist government of enriching its own leaders while the country's people suffered. He said the hardships Havana blames on Washington were in fact caused by corruption and repression inside Cuba. "Well, we know. We know where it went. And today we are here to share it to the world," he said.

As members of the Cuban delegation tried to interrupt him, Waltz responded sharply. "I know you don't like to hear this," he said. "This is America, my friend. This is the United Nations. This isn't your communist dictatorship. You cannot silence me."

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla kept moving toward the podium while the president of the General Assembly tried to restore order. The president reminded delegates that they would get a chance to respond.

The exchange grew more heated. "This individual needs to back away from this podium," Waltz said. "He's not going to intimidate me in the United States of America." He added: "I'm the representative of the United States of America. Back up! Back up, Ambassador. Back away! This isn't Havana."

Once Cuba was given the floor, its foreign minister accused Waltz of "lying" and asked the General Assembly president to call the U.S. ambassador to order. "Mr. Waltz is lying yet again," he said. He argued that the remarks were "beneath the dignity of this forum and member states" and were insulting to the Cuban government and people.

Waltz later continued the argument on X. He wrote that Cuba's "Communist leaders" "don't want you to know about their luxury real estate portfolio," adding that he had brought the receipts and that the Cuban delegation did not like it.