NAIROBI, Kenya- The United States has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court as an institution, escalating President Donald Trump’s campaign against the tribunal and prompting protests from several US allies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move on Friday, saying Washington would ban transactions with the court and seek to cut off resources that could support its work.
He said the sanctions were intended to prevent the ICC from prosecuting US citizens, military personnel and political leaders.
The Trump administration says the court has exceeded its authority by pursuing officials from countries that are not members, including the United States and Israel.
Neither country has joined the Rome Statute, which established the ICC.
The sanctions do not take effect immediately. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said a six-month period would allow time for dialogue and that service providers could continue working with the court during that period.
The US Treasury has also set out exemptions for some transactions, including those involving telecommunications, software, pensions and detainees.
Allies warn of impact on court
The foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands said they “regret and strongly disagree” with the US move.
They warned that, if implemented, the sanctions could significantly affect the court, its staff and their families.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the decision, calling it a serious blow to international criminal justice.
The ICC said the sanctions were an attempt to obstruct justice and called on its 125 member states to help ensure it can continue operating.
The court prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression when national authorities are unwilling or unable to do so.
Established in 2002, it is based in The Hague.
Israel welcomed the sanctions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump and Rubio, describing the ICC as a political body that threatens national sovereignty.
The court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Pressure campaign widens
Washington had previously sanctioned individual ICC judges and prosecutors.
Friday’s announcement extends the campaign to the institution itself.
The US move came on the same day former ICC judge Navi Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
The Nobel announcement and the sanctions were separate decisions.
