WASHINGTON, Feb 7 – U.S. President Donald Trump has reintroduced economic and travel sanctions against individuals involved in investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into American citizens and U.S. allies, including Israel. This decision echoes actions taken during his first term in office, highlighting his administration’s opposition to the ICC’s authority over non-member states.
The sanctions authorize freezing assets of designated individuals within the U.S. and barring them and their families from entering the country. While the administration has not yet specified who will be targeted, past measures under Trump’s leadership focused on ICC officials investigating potential war crimes committed by U.S. forces.
ICC Condemns U.S. Actions
The ICC swiftly denounced the sanctions, urging its 125 member states to rally in support of its staff. In a statement, the court reiterated its commitment to seeking justice for victims of serious international crimes.
The court reaffirmed its support for its staff and emphasized its commitment to delivering justice and hope to countless innocent victims of atrocities worldwide.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of the ICC’s role in ongoing conflicts, particularly the war in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with a former defense minister and a senior leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, is currently under investigation by the court for alleged war crimes. Netanyahu’s visit to Washington coincided with Trump’s latest move, further underscoring the political implications of the decision.
Mixed International Response
The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC in The Hague, expressed strong regret over the sanctions. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp expressed support for the court, emphasizing that its role is crucial in ensuring accountability and preventing impunity.
However, Trump’s action found support from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who suggested reconsidering Hungary’s involvement with the ICC. “It’s time for Hungary to review what we’re doing in an international organization that is under U.S. sanctions! New winds are blowing in international politics. We call it the Trump-tornado,” Orban posted on social media.
Potential Impact on ICC Operations
The court has been preparing for potential financial restrictions, with reports indicating that staff salaries have been disbursed in advance to mitigate disruptions. ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane has previously warned that sanctions could significantly impair the court’s ability to function.
Akane warned in December that these actions could severely disrupt the court’s operations across all cases and potentially threaten its survival.
Trump’s Opposition to the ICC
Trump’s opposition to the ICC stems from its attempts to investigate allegations of war crimes involving U.S. military personnel. His decision to impose sanctions aligns with his broader foreign policy stance, which prioritizes American sovereignty over international institutions.
During his presidency, he resisted efforts to bring the U.S. under ICC jurisdiction and opposed investigations into Israel’s military actions. His latest move reinforces his long-standing position that the U.S. should not be subject to international judicial bodies it does not recognize.
The ICC’s Role and High-Profile Cases
The ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and acts of aggression. However, its jurisdiction is limited to cases involving nationals of member states or referrals from the United Nations Security Council. The U.S., China, Russia, and Israel are not ICC members and do not recognize its authority over their citizens.
The court has drawn the ire of major world powers, including Russia. In 2023, it issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of the war crime of forcibly deporting Ukrainian children. In response, Russia banned ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan and placed him and two ICC judges on its wanted list.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
Trump’s decision to sanction ICC personnel could have broad diplomatic repercussions. Supporters argue that the court unfairly targets the U.S. and its allies, while critics warn that these actions could undermine efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.
With global tensions rising over conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, the effectiveness of the ICC remains a contentious issue. While Trump’s latest move reinforces his stance against international judicial oversight, the long-term impact on the court’s operations and legitimacy remains to be seen.
As the situation unfolds, world leaders and human rights organizations will be closely watching how the U.S. enforces these sanctions and how the ICC and its member states respond.