ICC hit with Trump sanctions after former judge's Nobel recognition
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
The UЫ is imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The country will ban operations with the institution, cut off its resources, and restrict its ability to function, states US Secretary of State Marco Rubioю
According to Rubio, Washington has rejected the ICC's jurisdiction over US citizens, military personnel, and political leaders for decades, as the US is not a party to the court.
However, the decision was made due to the court's attempts to expand its authority and hold Americans accountable.
"President Trump will never allow the International Criminal Court to prosecute Americans. That is why, today, the United States is sanctioning the International Criminal Court. We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling its ability to operate," the Secretary of State emphasized.
The State Department noted that it had delayed this decision for over a year, expecting gestures of goodwill from the court or its member states. Despite the imposed restrictions, Washington is leaving room for dialogue.
The measure was designed to allow member states to negotiate and propose a solution that addresses US concerns. If diplomatic efforts fail, the United States will adjust its actions accordingly.
"Our message is clear: the United States and its people are not subject to the jurisdiction of the ICC. Both parties agree on this, but only President Trump has the resolve to take the action needed to end this threat for good. Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC," Rubio emphasized.
He also called on US allies, who are ICC members and rely on the US military for defense, to help resolve the situation.
If this does not happen, Washington will continue to act until the threat to its citizens is completely eliminated.
The decision on sanctions comes against the backdrop of a high-profile event in The Hague - just hours after a former ICC judge was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected Israel's complaints regarding the court's jurisdiction in Palestinian territories. Consequently, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Previously, the institution faced significant obstacles in its operations. In particular, US-imposed sanctions severely complicated the ICC's work and blocked some of its operational processes.
This is not the first high-profile decision by the body.
Earlier, an arrest warrant was issued for Russian leader Vladimir Putin; however, due to these restrictions, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the International Criminal Court to carry out its functions in international investigations.
