U.S.Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told Cuba's foreign minister to "back up" Tuesday after the Cuban diplomat approached the podium and interrupted his remarks on the floor of the U.N.
General Assembly."Well, we know.We know where it went.
And today we are here to share it to the world," Waltz said as he accused Cuba's 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 to hear this," Waltz said."This is America, my friend.
This is the United Nations.This isn't your communist dictatorship.
You cannot silence me."CUBAN EXILE-TURNED-CONGRESSMAN UNLOADS ON DEM SENATE HOPEFUL OVER CUBA REMARKSMike Waltz, United States ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a U.N.Security Council meeting on Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine during the 81st session of the United Nations Sept.
23, 2026, in New York City.(Michael M.
Santiago/Getty Images)Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla continued toward the podium as the president of the General Assembly attempted to restore order, reminding delegates that they would have an opportunity to respond."This individual needs to back away from this podium," Waltz said as the confrontation escalated."He's not going to intimidate me in the United States of America."I'm the representative of the United States of America.
Back up! Back up, Ambassador.Back away! This isn't Havana."Cuba's Minister for Foreign Affairs Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla speaks during the 81st United Nations General Assembly at U.N.
headquarters in New York Sept.26, 2026.
(Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)CUBA’S ECONOMIC FREEFALL IS HIDING A NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT JUST MILES FROM FLORIDA: REPORTThe 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.Wal...