Rubio Sanctions International Criminal Court President and Senior Lawyer

U.S. Policy on International Criminal Court Jurisdiction·Latest event August 19, 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 Sanctions International Criminal Court President and Senior Lawyer

Photo: The New York Times

Aug 19

Rubio Sanctions International Criminal Court President and Senior Lawyer

Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye for sanctions. Rubio described the court as corrupt and fatally politicized during the announcement. The administration cited abuses of power regarding investigations into U.S. and allied personnel. The International Criminal Court condemned the move as a flagrant attack on its independence. Rubio said the administration intends to dismantle the court brick by brick. These sanctions follow a campaign to isolate the institution and prevent legal actions against U.S. and Israeli personnel.

FOX NEWS: Rubio called the court 'corrupt and fatally politicized.'BBC NEWS: 'dismantle the International Criminal Court, brick by brick.'Trump administration sanctions sitting president of the International Criminal Court for 'abuses of power'ICC condemns US sanctions as 'flagrant attack' on court's independenceRubio Hits Back At Communist-Islamist International Criminal Court Corruption

Jul 24

Rubio Launches State Department Campaign to Disable International Criminal Court

Secretary of State Marco Rubio initiated a State Department campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court. He argued the tribunal lacks authority over citizens of countries that never joined. The administration intends to systematically disable the tribunal through a combination of sanctions, visa bans, and diplomatic pressure. These measures aim to protect U.S. personnel and allies. Rubio characterized the court's leadership as unstable and ideologically driven. He asserted that no international body stands above the U.S. Constitution. This executive push aligns with the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. The bill passed the House to mandate sanctions against ICC officials who investigate Americans or partners like Israel. Senator Mike Lee praised the move, stating that Trump is defending the right to self-rule against a power-mad foreign court. The European Union has rejected claims that the court threatens American sovereignty. However, the Trump administration maintains that the ICC's jurisdictional reach constitutes an unacceptable threat.

SEN MIKE LEE: Trump proves America can stand up to a power-mad foreign courtRubio targets the ICC, as he shouldWhy does the US want to 'dismantle' the international criminal court?

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