Mike Waltz confronted Cuba’s foreign minister after he approached the rostrum and accused the US ambassador of lying, while video showed another Cuban delegate apparently assaulting spokesman J.P. Freire and trying to grab his iPhone.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Mike Waltz clashed with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla during remarks about the communist regime’s real estate holdings.
Parrilla approached the rostrum and accused Waltz of lying, prompting Waltz to shout, “Back up!”
Video showed a Cuban delegation member apparently assaulting Waltz spokesman J.P. Freire while trying to grab his iPhone.
United Nations officials attempted to restore order as members of the Cuban delegation recorded the confrontation.
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
"He's not going to intimidate me in the United States of America, like he tries to intimidate political prisoners," Waltz… pic.twitter.com/DgZZ4v8w7w
— Josh Christenson (@jchristenson_) October 27, 2026
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz clashed loudly with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on Tuesday after the Cuban official charged toward the rostrum during remarks before the General Assembly hall. The confrontation erupted as Waltz discussed real estate holdings tied to Cuba’s communist regime.
