Trump imposes sanctions on International Criminal Court.
Donald Trump signed an order accusing the International Criminal Court (ICC) of engaging in “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.” The order asserts that the ICC’s investigations are politically motivated and unjustified, posing a threat to U.S. sovereignty and national security. Trump’s administration has consistently opposed the ICC’s attempts to prosecute U.S. personnel for alleged war crimes. The sanctions aim to deter further investigations and protect American and allied interests. This move reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and the international judicial body.
Trump Imposes Sanctions on ICC Over Investigations into Israel
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, February 6, 2025, imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its investigations into Israel. The decision marks a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s long-standing opposition to the ICC’s jurisdiction over its allies and military personnel.
The order, which authorizes economic and travel restrictions on ICC officials involved in cases against Israel, comes amid growing tensions between Washington and the Hague-based tribunal. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized the ICC, calling its investigations “politically motivated” and an overreach of its authority.
A Strong Message to the ICC
Jurisdiction to prosecute Israeli officials, as Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
“We will not stand by while a foreign body attempts to undermine the sovereignty of the United States or our allies,” Trump declared. “The ICC has no authority over Israel, and these politically charged investigations are nothing more than an attempt to delegitimize a democratic nation.”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed Trump’s sentiments, warning that any attempts to prosecute Israeli officials for alleged war crimes would be met with severe consequences. “The United States has always stood by Israel, and we will not allow the ICC to target a country that has every right to defend itself,” Pompeo said during a press conference.
Ongoing Disputes with the ICC
The ICC has been investigating allegations of war crimes committed by Israeli forces in Palestinian territories. The inquiry, which has faced resistance from Israel and the U.S., focuses on military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel has denied all allegations, maintaining that its military operations adhere to international law.
Trump’s decision to impose sanctions is consistent with his administration’s broader hostility toward international institutions that, in its view, undermine U.S. sovereignty. In 2020, his administration imposed similar sanctions on ICC officials investigating alleged war crimes by American forces in Afghanistan. Those sanctions were later lifted by President Joe Biden in 2021.
International Reactions
The move has sparked mixed reactions from the international community. Supporters of Israel have praised Trump for taking a firm stance against what they see as a biased investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support, calling the sanctions a “historic step in protecting Israel from international lawfare.”
However, human rights organizations and legal experts have condemned the decision, arguing that it undermines international justice. Amnesty International called the sanctions “an attack on the global rule of law,” while ICC officials vowed to continue their investigations despite U.S. pressure.
As tensions between the U.S., Israel, and the ICC continue to rise, it remains to be seen how this latest move will impact diplomatic relations and international legal proceedings.