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Cuba’s delegation left the UN chamber during Trump’s speech Tuesday. The walkout followed Trump’s direct criticism of Cuba’s government.
Cuba’s delegation walked out of the United Nations General Assembly chamber Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the country’s government during his address to world leaders in New York. The departure was captured on video and reported by the BBC, The Hill and The Independent as Trump discussed his administration’s policy toward Cuba.
Trump said his administration was seeking what he described as fundamental political change in Cuba and characterized the country’s government in strongly negative terms. Reuters reported that he also said he expected political change on the island and referred to discussions involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The walkout occurred as Trump was discussing Cuba during his speech. The BBC reported that the Cuban delegation left the chamber while Trump continued his remarks, while Reuters also confirmed that the delegation walked out during the president’s comments.
Cuba and the United States have maintained hostile relations for decades, including a longstanding U.S. economic embargo against Cuba. The Trump administration has increased pressure on the Cuban government, making the issue part of a broader U.S. policy toward the Western Hemisphere. Reuters reported that the United States has maintained its trade embargo against Cuba for more than 60 years.
The episode occurred during the opening day of the 81st U.N. General Assembly high-level debate, where conflicts, international security and relations between major powers are among the central issues. The Cuban delegation is scheduled to participate in the Assembly’s proceedings later in the week, including an address by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, according to reporting surrounding the meeting.
The walkout was one of several notable moments during Trump’s address. Reporting from the BBC and The Independent said the Iranian delegation also left the chamber during the president’s remarks about the conflict with Iran, while Trump also discussed artificial intelligence, U.S. military power and his administration’s approach to international affairs.
Sources: Information attributed to Reuters, BBC News, The Hill and The Independent.