Waltz, Cuban Minister Clash in UN Shouting Match
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla traded shouts on the UN General Assembly floor Tuesday. Rodríguez approached the podium during Waltz's speech and called him a liar.
- Waltz was arguing against the annual resolution condemning the U.S. embargo.
- He accused Cuba's leaders of owning luxury real estate, jets and Rolex watches.
- Cuban delegates banged their table and demanded a point of order.
- Waltz told Rodríguez to back up; the meeting was then suspended.
Why it matters: The confrontation reflects a sharp escalation in U.S. pressure on Cuba this year. In late January, President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country supplying oil to Cuba.
- That move has largely cut fuel to the island, causing widespread blackouts.
- Rodríguez accused Waltz of lying and offending the dignity of Cuba's people and government.
How 26 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage divides over whether Cuba's crisis stems mainly from U.S. sanctions or from its own government's corruption and mismanagement.
Center coverage, 3 sources: The center sees a break from diplomatic decorum that captures rising tension ahead of the annual embargo vote.
Left coverage, 6 sources: The left sees Waltz's outburst as a sign the administration will keep tightening a fuel blockade that is harming ordinary Cubans.
Right coverage, 17 sources: The right sees Waltz standing firm against a Cuban delegation it says tried to intimidate him and assaulted his staffer.
What’s next: The General Assembly votes Wednesday on the resolution. Last year it passed 165-7, with 12 abstentions.
- Argentina, Ukraine and Hungary opposed the measure for the first time last year.
- A video obtained by the New York Post shows a Cuban delegate grabbing at spokesman J.P. Freire's phone.
- Will U.S. lobbying change the vote margin compared with last year?
- Will the UN or Cuba respond to Waltz's account of the incident involving his spokesman?
