'Intolerable threat to US sovereignty': Trump administration vows to 'systematically disable' International Criminal Court

The administration of US President Donald Trump has stepped up its campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC), with the State Department announcing a government-wide effort to curb the tribunal's ability to operate.

A State Department official said the administration aims to counter what it describes as a threat to US sovereignty posed by the Hague-based court. The announcement was accompanied by a video statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal.

US weighs sanctions, visa bans against ICC

According to a State Department official, the administration is considering a range of measures against the ICC, including expanded sanctions, travel bans, visa revocations for court officials, and diplomatic efforts to persuade other countries to distance themselves from the tribunal.

The official said the US is also urging partner nations to reject the ICC's authority to prosecute American officials and military personnel.

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Long-running US opposition to the ICC

The United States has never been a member of the ICC, which was established in 2002 to prosecute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when national courts are unwilling or unable to do so.

Trump has long opposed the court's jurisdiction over US citizens, particularly members of the military. Reuters earlier reported that his administration supported sanctions against ICC officials partly to prevent future attempts to investigate or prosecute US actions overseas.

Pressure intensified after Netanyahu warrant

Trump's opposition to the ICC intensified after the court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2024.

Last month, three ICC judges filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that sanctions imposed on them last year were unlawful.

US urges allies to reject ICC authority

The State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials are encouraging allied governments to diplomatically isolate the ICC and oppose any attempt by the court to exercise jurisdiction over Americans.

According to the official, countries that host US military forces, cooperate with US law enforcement or benefit from American security assistance are being urged to reject the ICC's authority over US personnel.

The official warned that nations continuing to support the ICC while relying on US assistance could face increased scrutiny.

"We will watch with interest which nations join ranks with us against this threat to Americans who are willing to risk their lives to protect others," the official said.