# US-ICC diplomatic tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-icc-diplomatic-tensions > Updated: 2026-09-23T09:21:58.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2. During an address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC), labeling it an ‘evil’ and ‘out of control’ institution. He argued the court lacks jurisdiction over the United States and urged member nations to withdraw to avoid what he termed ‘anti-American’ show trials. In response, Germany rejected the call for withdrawal. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful defended the ICC as an ‘important institution’ and a vital component of the rules-based international order, noting that the U.S. position represents a significant policy divergence from Germany. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has also reaffirmed Japan’s support for the ICC and the rule of law. The U.S. administration is reportedly preparing to escalate financial pressure on the ICC by potentially cutting its access to the U.S. financial system and prohibiting dollar-based transactions. These measures follow the court’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has supported this stance, describing the court as a threat to American sovereignty that ‘must be dismantled.’ International reactions remain divided. While the Argentine government is reportedly considering withdrawing from the court following Trump’s remarks, 38 civil society organizations have filed a legal challenge in New York against the legality of the U.S. sanctions, arguing they harm international justice and victims of crimes. ICC President Tomoko Akane has dismissed threats of sanctions, asserting that the court ‘will never be defeated.’ ## Claims - Trump described the ICC as an institution that is 'out of control'. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Trump called on all member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to withdraw from the institution. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Trump referred to the ICC as a 'group of evil people'. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The US is preparing sanctions to cut the ICC's access to the US financial system. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Trump criticized UN human rights officials for focusing on US immigration and transgender issues rather than global atrocities. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Trump threatened to 'annihilate' Iran if no agreement is reached. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed support for the ICC at the UN General Assembly. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Trump announced plans to construct two new American military installations in Greenland. (single source) - Trump stated that a peace agreement regarding the war in Ukraine could be reached soon. (single source) - ICC President Tomoko Akane stated that the court will not be defeated by sanctions. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Germany rejects Trump's call to withdraw from International Criminal Court Germany has rejected President Donald Trump’s call for nations to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, calling the body an important institution for the rules-based international order. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-rejects-trumps-call-to-withdraw-from-international-criminal-court ### 2026-09-22: Trump urges ICC members to withdraw from court at UN General Assembly At the UN General Assembly, President Trump called for all nations to withdraw from the ICC, labeling it an ‘evil’ and ‘out of control’ institution. The US is also preparing financial sanctions against the body 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-criticizes-icc-and-confronts-cnn-at-un --- Cite as: US-ICC diplomatic tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-icc-diplomatic-tensions