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U.S. launches diplomatic campaign to undermine International Criminal Court
The Trump administration announced a whole‑of‑government effort to “disable” the International Criminal Court (ICC). Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the court threatens U.S. sovereignty, accusing it of waging a war with “statutes, treaties and the force of so‑called international law.” The planned actions include travel bans, visa revocations, expanded sanctions on ICC officials and affiliated organizations, and intensified diplomatic pressure on allied nations that receive U.S. security or economic assistance to reject the ICC’s jurisdiction over American personnel. The United States, which is not a party to the Rome Statute, has previously imposed sanctions on ICC officials after the court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC, based in The Hague, continues investigations into alleged U.S. war‑crimes in Afghanistan and other conflicts. ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet declined to comment on the new U.S. measures, while human‑rights advocates warned the campaign could undermine global accountability for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The initiative reflects a broader U.S. policy stance dating back to the George W. Bush era, reinforcing the administration’s view that the ICC lacks authority over non‑signatory states. Critics argue the move jeopardises multilateral justice mechanisms and may strain relations with the many states that support the court.