Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Trump Calls Cuba Failed State as Delegation Walks Out
Donald Trump spoke at a United Nations meeting.
He said Cuba was a “failed state” and that its government was under heavy pressure.
Members of Cuba’s delegation left the room during those remarks.
Cuba’s foreign minister said the country is independent and does not threaten the United States.
Trump also said Marco Rubio was negotiating with Cuba.
During another part of the speech, some Iranian delegates walked out.
Trump threatened very harsh consequences for Iran but also said he believed a deal might be possible.
The speech caused strong reactions from both countries’ delegations.
US President Donald Trump called Cuba a “failed state” during his United Nations General Assembly speech.
The Cuban delegation left the Assembly while Trump discussed pressure on Cuba’s Communist regime.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla condemned the remarks, defending Cuba’s independence and sovereignty.
Trump said Marco Rubio was negotiating with Cuba and warned against foreign adversaries near the United States.
Part of Iran’s delegation also walked out after Trump threatened severe consequences while discussing possible nuclear negotiations.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, the Cuban delegation, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Marco Rubio, and part of Iran’s delegation.
- What
- Trump criticized Cuba as a “failed state,” discussed negotiations and pressure on Cuba, and made threatening remarks about Iran; Cuban and Iranian representatives walked out.
- When
- Tuesday, during Trump’s United Nations General Assembly speech.
- Where
- The United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- The Cuban delegation walked out in response to Trump’s remarks about Cuba; part of Iran’s delegation left during his comments about Iran.
Cuban and Iranian objections
Trump administration’s position
Cuba’s sovereignty and status
Cuban and Iranian objections
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla said Cuba has the right to be a fully independent and sovereign country and is not a threat to the United States or any other country.
Trump administration’s position
Trump said Cuba’s Communist regime was failing, under its greatest pressure, and would fall.
US-Cuba engagement
Cuban and Iranian objections
The Cuban delegation rejected Trump’s characterization of Cuba by walking out of the Assembly during his comments.
Trump administration’s position
Trump said Marco Rubio was deeply involved in negotiations with Cuba while also warning that the United States would not allow a haven for foreign adversaries near its territory.
US-Iran policy
Cuban and Iranian objections
Part of Iran’s delegation walked out during Trump’s remarks about Iran, which included threats of annihilation and being driven into “hell.”
Trump administration’s position
Trump said Iran could reach a deal that would allow it to rebuild, while presenting severe military action as an alternative.
- Speaker
- US President Donald Trump
- Event
- United Nations General Assembly speech
- Cuba description
- Trump called Cuba a “failed state” and said its Communist regime was under unprecedented pressure.
- Cuban response
- The Cuban delegation staged a walkout, while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla condemned the remarks.
- Negotiator named
- Trump said Marco Rubio was handling negotiations with Cuba.
- Iran response
- Part of the Iranian delegation left during Trump’s remarks about Iran.
- Trump’s Iran position
- Trump described a choice between a deal and destroying or driving the Islamic Republic into “hell.”