Trump Prepares Sanctions Against the International Criminal Court as an Institution
World
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has prepared a sanctions package targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an institution. According to Reuters, the measures could prohibit U.S. citizens and companies from conducting financial transactions with the court without a special license.
Sources told the agency that the package has already been prepared, although the administration has not decided when to announce it. One option under consideration is to introduce the measures during the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week in New York.
If imposed, the sanctions could affect the ICC’s banking services, salary payments, insurance, information systems and external contractors. Reuters notes that the impact could extend beyond the United States, as international banks and service providers may avoid working with the court because of their exposure to the dollar-based financial system.
The proposed measures would continue Washington’s campaign against the ICC. In August, the United States sanctioned the court’s president and a senior prosecution official. Earlier, Washington had also imposed restrictions on individual judges and prosecutors.
The Trump administration is seeking to halt proceedings against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC issued arrest warrants for them over alleged crimes in the Gaza Strip. Washington also opposes the court’s investigation into the conduct of U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan.
The United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute and do not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction over their citizens. Russia also rejects the court’s authority. In 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Moscow described as legally invalid.
The ICC has operated in The Hague since 2002 and handles cases involving genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
If imposed, the sanctions could affect the ICC’s banking services, salary payments, insurance, information systems and external contractors. Reuters notes that the impact could extend beyond the United States, as international banks and service providers may avoid working with the court because of their exposure to the dollar-based financial system.
The proposed measures would continue Washington’s campaign against the ICC. In August, the United States sanctioned the court’s president and a senior prosecution official. Earlier, Washington had also imposed restrictions on individual judges and prosecutors.
The Trump administration is seeking to halt proceedings against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC issued arrest warrants for them over alleged crimes in the Gaza Strip. Washington also opposes the court’s investigation into the conduct of U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan.
The United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute and do not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction over their citizens. Russia also rejects the court’s authority. In 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Moscow described as legally invalid.
The ICC has operated in The Hague since 2002 and handles cases involving genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
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