The UN General Assembly descended into chaos when US Ambassador Mike Waltz stated there is no American blockade on Cuba. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez vehemently responded, calling Waltz a liar and reminding him it was the UN, not a "Green Beret camp." This exchange occurred during a Cuban-called session to discuss the embargo, which later passed with overwhelming support for Cuba. Rodríguez, relaying a message from Raúl Castro, asserted Cuba's readiness to defend its homeland. He further dismissed Waltz as insignificant and invoked historical figures to warn against aggression. Waltz countered by claiming Cuba's leaders imposed the embargo on their own people. He accused them of prioritizing their comfort over the needs of the population. Waltz urged Havana to change its ways and "turn the lights back on." During his speech, a Cuban delegate's table-pounding interruption was met with Waltz's declaration that he would not be silenced. He emphasized that the UN is a place for free speech, unlike Cuba.