Marco Rubio vows to dismantle International Criminal Court

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a campaign to "dismantle the ICC—brick by brick," describing the International Criminal Court as a threat to American sovereignty and a body run by hostile third‑world governments. In a Wall Street Journal op‑ed and a video posted on X, he argued that the court has no jurisdiction over crimes committed by U.S. officials and that its existence undermines U.S. national interests.

Rubio said the United States will use diplomatic pressure and sanctions to neutralize the ICC and is urging allied nations, including those that are parties to the Rome Statute, to withdraw from the court. The move comes as Washington also reaffirmed support for the South China Sea arbitration ruling, highlighting a broader strategy to push back against international legal mechanisms that the administration views as inimical to its policies.