US President Donald Trump delivered a sharply worded address at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 22, turning his attention to Cuba and its communist government. Trump described Cuba as an "absolutely failed state" and said its government was under the greatest pressure it had ever faced. He also stated that his administration is seeking a "fundamental change" in Cuba.
Trump disclosed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is engaged in negotiations with Havana, though he did not explain what the talks involved or whether they had produced any agreements. Trump said Washington would not allow Cuba to become a base for foreign powers hostile to the United States, while insisting that communism would not take hold in America. "Communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba," he said.
Trump's remarks prompted Cuba's delegation to leave the General Assembly chamber as he discussed the island's government. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez later rejected Trump's description of Cuba, accusing Washington of refusing to recognise the island's sovereignty. Rodríguez also criticised the longstanding US embargo and other restrictions imposed on Cuba.
The confrontation comes amid an intensifying US pressure campaign against Havana. Washington has maintained a trade embargo on Cuba for more than six decades, while the Trump administration has introduced additional measures against the Cuban government. This has worsened hardships faced by ordinary Cubans, according to Rodríguez.
Trump's Cuba remarks formed part of a wider 37-minute address covering US foreign policy, conflicts and security concerns around the world. The speech was delivered at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where world leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, were in attendance.
The US president's comments on Cuba were met with strong opposition from the Cuban government. The country's delegation walked out of the General Assembly hall during Trump's remarks, showing their disapproval of his statements. The US-Cuba relationship has been strained in recent years, with the US increasing pressure on the island nation.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Cuba, with the US maintaining a hardline stance on the island nation. The situation remains a point of contention, with no clear resolution in sight. Key players, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, continue to engage in negotiations with the Cuban government.
Key points
- US President Donald Trump described Cuba as an "absolutely failed state" at the UN General Assembly.
- The Cuban delegation walked out of the General Assembly chamber during Trump's remarks.
- The US has maintained a trade embargo on Cuba for more than six decades.
