This Is America, Not Your Communist Dictatorship: US, Cuba Clash At UN Over Rolex Watches

The Rolex watches allegedly worn by Cuban leaders, accusations of corruption and claims of hidden wealth triggered a fiery confrontation between the United States and Cuba at the United Nations on Tuesday, October 27. US Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla traded angry accusations during a General Assembly session ahead of a vote on a resolution condemning Washington's decades-old economic embargo against Havana.

During his address, Waltz displayed a photograph of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro wearing two Rolex watches, claiming each was worth approximately $40,000. Citing Cuban government statistics, he said their combined value was equivalent to 55 years of an average Cuban wage.

Waltz also showed a photograph of current Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, alleging that he wore a Rolex as well. He accused Cuba's communist leadership of enriching itself while ordinary citizens faced economic hardship. He also raised allegations concerning luxury properties, including private islands, and the alleged diversion of the country's wealth into the hands of political elites.

The confrontation escalated when Rodríguez approached the podium while Waltz was speaking and accused the US envoy of lying. The Cuban foreign minister raised a point of order under Rule 71 of the General Assembly's rules of procedure, seeking intervention over Waltz's remarks.

Waltz rejected the challenge and repeatedly demanded that Rodríguez step away from the podium. As the Cuban minister continued to object, Waltz declared, "This is America, my friend. This is the United Nations. This isn't your communist dictatorship. You cannot silence me."

He also told Rodríguez to back away, insisting that he would not be intimidated. Rodríguez responded by calling Waltz a liar, while General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman attempted to restore order. The proceedings were subsequently suspended.

The dispute reportedly extended beyond the assembly floor. A video obtained by The New York Post showed Waltz's spokesperson, J.P. Freire, being assaulted by another member of the Cuban delegation, who allegedly attempted to seize his iPhone while he recorded the incident.

Waltz's accusations also targeted the military-run conglomerate GAESA, which has been reported to hold billions of dollars in assets. The US envoy argued that Cuba's leadership was responsible for the country's economic suffering, rejecting Havana's argument that American restrictions were to blame.

Rodríguez, meanwhile, accused Washington of pressuring other countries to oppose the resolution. He argued that US fuel restrictions had deepened Cuba's economic and humanitarian crisis, worsening pressure on healthcare services and threatening lives across the island.

The annual UN resolution calls for an end to the US embargo, which has remained in place for more than six decades. Although the resolution is not legally binding, it carries diplomatic significance and has historically received overwhelming international support. In 2025, 165 countries voted in favour, seven opposed it and 12 abstained.