U.S. Ambassador Shouts Down Cuban Envoy at UN
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz confronts Cuban Foreign Minister at UN General Assembly over corruption allegations.
2 min read
During the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz engaged in a heated exchange with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. The confrontation unfolded as Waltz presented evidence of corruption within Cuban leadership, including photos of the late communist dictator Fidel Castro wearing two Rolex watches, which would be valued at $40,000 today.
Corruption Allegations and Rolex Watches
Waltz highlighted the regime’s own statistics, stating that the value of the watches would pay for 55 years of an average Cuban wage. He also presented a photo of current Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, the first non-Castro to hold the office since the 1959 Cuban revolution, also wearing a Rolex. “It didn’t just start with Castro. This is the current Cuban president, also with a Rolex on,” Waltz said.
Parrilla moved toward Waltz, accusing him of spreading lies about Cuba, but Waltz refused to back down.
NEW: @USAmbUN Mike Waltz just got into a shouting match on the floor of the general assembly with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla
Confrontation Escalates
“Back up!” Waltz shouted, turning to the delegates and addressing Parrilla. “He doesn’t like the substance — he doesn’t like hard truths. I have asked him to back away from this podium. Mr. President, this individual needs to back away from this podium. He’s not going to intimidate me in the United States of America — like he tries to intimidate political prisoners.”
Parrilla shouted something back, prompting Waltz to respond, “And I’m the representative of the United States of America! Back up! Back up, Ambassador, back away… You’re not going to intimidate me. Do you understand who you’re dealing with? This is America. Back up!”
Delegation Member Attempts to Stop Recording
While Waltz was speaking, another member of the Cuban delegation tried to stop Waltz’s spokesman, J.P. Freire, from recording the confrontation. The individual was caught on video attempting to knock the phone from Freire’s hand, highlighting the tension and intensity of the exchange.
Source: Daily Wire
