Trump Orders Sanctions Against International Criminal Court
A new executive order signed last week by President Donald Trump authorizes sanctions against people and entities linked to the International Criminal Court, including ICC officials, employees and their relatives. Trump signed the order in response to the ICC’s investigation of the Israeli military for war crimes in Gaza, including its issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.
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The order also criticizes the ICC for investigating U.S. officials and military personnel, saying it has no jurisdiction over the U.S. or Israel. “The United States unequivocally opposes and expects our allies to oppose any ICC actions against the United States, Israel, or any other ally of the United States that has not consented to ICC jurisdiction,” the order said. “The United States will impose tangible and significant consequences on those responsible for the ICC’s transgressions,” which could include property blocking and asset freezes.
The order authorizes sanctions against foreign people and entities:
- involved in ICC efforts to “investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute a protected person without consent of that person’s country of nationality”
- that have “materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of” people sanctioned under this order
- owned or controlled by any person sanctioned under this order.
It also blocks certain donations or the “contribution” of funds to any person sanctioned under the order.
Within 60 days, the Treasury and State departments must submit a report to the president detailing people and entities that should be sanctioned under the order.
The ICC said it “condemns” Trump’s order, which will “harm its independent and impartial judicial work.” The court said it “stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world, in all Situations before it. We call on our 125 States Parties, civil society and all nations of the world to stand united for justice and fundamental human rights.”