The UN General Assembly erupted into a dramatic diplomatic confrontation on Tuesday as Cuba’s delegation walked out during US President Donald Trump’s speech, moments after he branded the communist-run island an “absolutely failed state” and declared that “freedom will be coming to Cuba.”

CUBA DELEGATION WALKS OUT

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said his administration was seeking “fundamental change” in Cuba and claimed the communist government was under unprecedented pressure.

“My administration is also seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba, where the communist regime is under great pressure — the biggest pressure they’ve ever been under,” Trump said.

Calling Cuba “an absolutely failed state”, Trump added, “It’s failing like never before, and it will fall.”

“Communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba,” he said.

The Cuban delegation walked out of the General Assembly hall during Trump’s remarks, highlighting the deepening tensions between Washington and Havana.

CUBA ACCUSES TRUMP OF JUSTIFYING HARSH TREATMENT

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel later responded in a post on X, saying Cuba would defend its sovereignty. He accused Trump of portraying the island as a threat to justify what he described as Washington’s harsh treatment of Cuba.

The US has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba for more than six decades. Trump’s administration has intensified pressure on Havana, with a US-imposed oil blockade earlier this year contributing to fuel shortages and blackouts in the country.

Cuba is also grappling with ageing infrastructure, adding to the pressure on its energy system.

DECADES-OLD US-CUBA TENSIONS

The confrontation at the UN comes against the backdrop of decades of hostility between the two countries, dating back to Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution.

Trump has previously described Cuba as a failed nation. In June, he said the US had “some very good plans” for Cuba and would “take care” of the country.

Washington has openly stated its goal of bringing about political change in Cuba. Trump also continues to enjoy strong support among hardline Cuban-American groups in Florida that have advocated tougher US policy towards Havana.

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Published By:

Zafar Zaidi

Published On:

Sep 23, 2026 06:50 IST