Trump administration prepares sanctions against International Criminal Court, sources say

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), sources familiar with the matter indicate. This move, if finalized, could significantly weaken the global tribunal that prosecutes war crimes and genocide worldwide. The administration has long expressed disdain for the court, actively working to undermine its authority.

US officials have sought to have the court drop arrest warrants against Israeli leaders and terminate its past investigation into American troops in Afghanistan. While the United States State Department declined to comment, the move to impose sanctions on the ICC itself, rather than just individual members, has been a consideration for some time.

The potential sanctions could affect the court's ability to secure funding, procure IT services, hire investigators, and conduct financial transactions, severely disrupting its operations. The move would target entities that cooperate with the court, potentially impacting the procurement of essential services and the continuation of everyday activities.

Trump's opposition to the ICC dates back to his first term, reemerging after his re-election when the ICC issued an arrest warrant for former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict. The ICC, established in 2002, is tasked with prosecuting war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, but its jurisdiction is limited to situations where a member state cannot or will not prosecute such atrocities. The United States has never been a member of the court.