The Cuban delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly exited the chamber on Tuesday as President Donald Trump labeled Cuba a "completely failed state" and predicted the collapse of the communist regime.
This incident took place during Trump's speech at the 81st General Assembly in New York, marking the first time the president made such statements from the world's foremost multilateral platform with the Cuban delegation present.
"My administration is also seeking a fundamental shift in the situation of Cuba, where the communist regime is under enormous pressure, the greatest it has ever faced. It is a completely failed state. It is faltering like never before, and it will fall," Trump stated to the gathered representatives at the UN headquarters.
The president also disclosed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is actively engaged in negotiations with Havana: "Marco Rubio is leading negotiations and is deeply involved in talks with Cuba. We will see what happens."
This statement contrasts with what Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla declared in early September, when he denied any formal negotiations with Washington, describing the communication channels between the two governments as "stalled."
The regime's response was prompt on two fronts: the physical departure from the hall, a common tactic in various forums where the Havana government has been criticized.
Rodríguez Parrilla asserted that Washington "is incapable of accepting that Cuba is, and has the right to be, a fully independent and sovereign country," adding that "none of the falsehoods by the U.S. President at the UN, nor any slander, can or will negate that fact."
Trump's speech comes amid a sustained escalation of pressure on Havana: the administration has imposed more than two dozen rounds of sanctions against Cuba since January 2026, including measures targeting military entities and the nickel sector announced just days before the speech.
The island's economic crisis exacerbates the situation: according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Cuba's GDP is expected to shrink by 10.3% in 2026, the worst decline in Latin America, with power outages lasting up to 22 hours a day and an annual inflation rate of 20.70% recorded in July.
Rodríguez Parrilla is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Friday, September 26, when the Cuban regime will present its official response to Trump's speech.
Key Questions About U.S.-Cuba Relations
What did President Trump say about Cuba at the UN?
President Trump called Cuba a "completely failed state" and predicted that the communist regime would eventually collapse.
How did the Cuban delegation react to Trump's speech?
The Cuban delegation walked out of the UN chamber during Trump's address, a common response when their government is criticized.
What is the current state of U.S.-Cuba negotiations?
According to Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is actively involved in negotiations with Cuba. However, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has denied any formal talks, stating that communications are stalled.