WASHINGTON, — The Trump administration has prepared sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The move could mark a major new step in Washington’s campaign against the court. The administration has already imposed sanctions on several ICC judges and prosecutors.
However, the United States has not yet imposed sanctions on the court as an institution. The timing of any announcement remains unclear.
US Seeks to Pressure ICC
The Trump administration has strongly opposed the ICC and its investigations involving US personnel and Israeli leaders.
Washington wants the court to drop arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. It also opposes an earlier ICC investigation into alleged crimes involving US troops in Afghanistan.
In July, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched a campaign urging countries to distance themselves from the ICC.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Sanctions Could Affect ICC Operations
The proposed measures could target the ICC itself and organizations that work with the court.
If the US Treasury imposes institution-wide sanctions, US citizens and companies could face restrictions on providing money, goods or services to the ICC without a special US license.
Such measures could also affect banks and other companies that work with the court. Financial institutions often take extra steps to avoid violating US sanctions.
The restrictions could therefore disrupt several ICC activities. These could include IT services, insurance, investigations and routine financial transactions.
Possible Announcement During UN General Assembly
The Wall Street Journal reported that the decision could be finalized during this week’s United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York.
However, Reuters reported that the exact timing remained uncertain.
The ICC has faced US pressure for years. Trump opposed the court during his first term as president. His administration again targeted the institution after the court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2024.
ICC Role in International Justice
The International Criminal Court began work in 2002 under the Rome Statute.
The court investigates and prosecutes genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in cases that fall within its jurisdiction. It can act when national courts are unable or unwilling to carry out genuine proceedings.
The United States has never joined the ICC as a member.
