The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly criticized the sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump, warning that they could undermine international law. The court emphasized that such actions threaten to “erode international rule of law” and called for a united global response to protect its independence.
In a statement issued on Friday, 79 states that are parties to the ICC, including close U.S. allies like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, reaffirmed their support for the court’s work. They emphasized the importance of the ICC’s “independence, impartiality, and integrity.” The court serves as a crucial part of the international justice system, holding accountable those responsible for the world’s most serious crimes and providing justice for victims.
President Trump’s sanctions, announced Thursday, were in response to the ICC’s actions, which the U.S. government criticized as “illegitimate and baseless.” Specifically, Trump signed an executive order imposing significant penalties on ICC officials and their families, including asset freezes and travel restrictions. These measures were primarily aimed at those involved in investigating actions related to Israel, an American ally.
“The United States will impose tangible and significant consequences on those responsible for the ICC’s transgressions,” the executive order stated, detailing how it would block the property of ICC officials and suspend their entry into the U.S. It marked a significant escalation in tensions between the U.S. and the court, particularly after the ICC issued an arrest warrant in May 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This warrant accused them of committing crimes against humanity related to the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.
Netanyahu dismissed the warrant as “absurd” and a “hit job,” claiming it was politically motivated. However, the ICC argued that the sanctions would escalate the risk of impunity for severe international crimes. The court warned that these sanctions could jeopardize its ability to conduct investigations, potentially leading to the closure of its field offices and the halting of important cases.
Legal experts also voiced concern over the potential consequences of the U.S. sanctions. Kim Scheppele, a Princeton University professor specializing in international law, suggested that the sanctions could “kill the court.” She warned that the sanctions would harm the ICC’s operations and create significant risks for its staff. She also noted that the U.S. has significant influence over many countries, meaning that allies may avoid supporting the ICC’s work to avoid angering the U.S.
The situation has highlighted the fragile nature of the ICC’s ability to operate independently. If these sanctions continue, they could prevent the court from investigating other international crimes and hinder global accountability. The ICC’s mandate is grounded in the Rome Statute, an international treaty signed by 123 countries, which aims to ensure that those who commit atrocities do not escape justice.
The U.S. has long had a strained relationship with the ICC, particularly regarding its potential jurisdiction over American citizens and its investigations into the actions of U.S. officials. However, the imposition of sanctions marks an unprecedented move in the ongoing dispute. The growing tension between the U.S. and the court raises critical questions about the future of international justice and the potential for global cooperation in the fight against impunity.