Shouting match erupts at UN as Cuban foreign minister moves toward US ambassador's podium: 'Back up!'

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."

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Mike 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 of 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)

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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 Havana's communist government of enriching itself while blaming Washington for hardships he said were caused by corruption and repression inside Cuba.

Delegates arrive at the 81st session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters Sept. 22, 2026, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

After Cuba was eventually granted the floor, the delegation's foreign minister accused Waltz of "lying" and asked the General Assembly president to call him to order.

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"Mr. Waltz is lying yet again," he said, arguing that the U.S. ambassador's remarks were "beneath the dignity of this forum and member states" and were insulting to Cuba's government and people.

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In a subsequent post on X, Waltz shot said the "Communist leaders" in Cuba "don’t want you to know about their luxury real estate portfolio," adding that he was bringing the receipts and the delegation didn't like it.