Rubio Pledges to Dismantle the International Criminal Court

U.S. Policy on International Criminal Court Jurisdiction·Latest event July 16, 2026

This story covers one chapter of a longer effort: Impose sanctions on officials who participate in legal actions against former presidents.View effort →

Lead image: Rubio Pledges to Dismantle the International Criminal Court

Photo: The Wall Street Journal

Jul 13

Rubio Pledges to Dismantle the International Criminal Court

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court to protect national sovereignty. He accused the body of using international law to wage war against the United States. This initiative expands on administration efforts to isolate the institution. The move aligns with the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which proposes sanctions on court officials. Rubio stated the administration will work to ensure the court cannot exercise jurisdiction over non-member nations.

Rubio vows to 'dismantle' International Criminal CourtRubio launches effort to isolate 'radical and extreme' ICCActing Attorney General Todd Blanche Rejects ICC Jurisdiction Over U.S. Citizens

Jul 13

Trump Administration Launches Campaign to Isolate International Criminal Court

Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a strategy to dismantle the International Criminal Court, characterizing the body as an unaccountable arbiter of global law that threatens American sovereignty. The administration's effort to isolate the court follows a formal declaration by the Justice Department rejecting the court's jurisdiction over U.S. citizens. This executive action aligns with the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, a bill passed by House Republicans to impose sanctions and visa bans on court officials. Rubio stated that the U.S. will demonstrate American resolve against attempts to prosecute or arrest citizens of the U.S. and its allies.

Trump administration launches effort to isolate International Criminal CourtThe International Criminal Court seeks to become the unaccountable arbiter of a new global lawOp-Ed from @SecRubio: Why We’re Dismantling the ICCOpinion | Why We're Dismantling the ICCBlanche pens letter to ICC rejecting court's jurisdiction over US citizens

Jul 2

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Rejects ICC Jurisdiction Over U.S. Citizens

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche sent a formal letter to the International Criminal Court stating that the United States rejects any assertion of jurisdiction over its citizens. The administration argued that because the U.S. never joined the court, any attempt to investigate Americans is unlawful and an affront to national sovereignty. As part of this policy, the Department of Justice will no longer honor extradition requests or participate in court investigations. This executive action follows legislative efforts to protect U.S. personnel and allies. The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act would impose sanctions and visa bans on court officials who target Americans or partners like Israel. The U.S. maintains that the court lacks legal authority over countries that have not consented to its power.

DOJ Rejects ICC JurisdictionH.R. 23Congress Moves to Sanction International Criminal Court Over Investigations of U.S. and AlliesWhy the US will not work with the International Criminal CourtTrump administration renews pressure on International Criminal Court