US Unveils Sanctions on ICC in Move Court Condems as 'Assault on Rule of Law'
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The Trump administration has unveiled sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in a significant acceleration of its attempt to "dismantle" what it sees as a "rogue" institution.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures - which include a ban on US entities making transactions with the ICC - were intended to "defend US sovereignty" and accused the court of seeking to prosecute Americans.
The ICC responded by calling the sanctions an assault on the rule of law and the foundations of the international legal order.
This announcement came just hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
The US has already sanctioned 17 of the ICC's judges and officials, but this move sanctions the court itself as an institution, aiming to collapse its financial operations. A six-month grace period is provided for member states to continue paying for operations.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the US decision as "a serious blow to our collective pursuit of international criminal justice".
The UK, along with Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands, reaffirmed their "continued and unwavering support" for the ICC.
Founded in 2002, the ICC prosecutes war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, with 125 countries as member states.
The Trump administration argues that the ICC is run by globalists who threaten American sovereignty, citing past investigations into US soldiers in Afghanistan and arrest warrants for Israeli officials.
Rubio stated that President Trump will not allow the ICC to prosecute Americans, adding: "Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC."
The sanctions will prevent US companies from providing goods or services to the ICC, such as banking or software.
Rubio expressed a delay in imposing sanctions in the hope that the ICC would address US concerns but stressed the structured measures allow for potential negotiations. He also called on allies like the UK to "rein in" the institution.
The Netherlands, hosting the court and allied with the US, faces particular pressure regarding these sanctions.