The current and former presidents of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) governing body stated on Thursday, September 3, 2026, that diplomatic efforts to isolate the institution are intended to undermine the international legal order. The statement, released in a joint op-ed, follows pressure from the administration of President Donald Trump for member nations to withdraw from the court. The ICC, based in The Hague, was established in 2002 to prosecute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in cases where national governments are unable or unwilling to do so.
The U.S. government, which is not a member of the ICC, has increased its opposition to the court following several actions. These include the ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a prior investigation into the conduct of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. In August 2026, the Trump administration sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer, and U.S. officials have stated they will continue to use travel bans and sanctions.
The joint op-ed was authored by Paivi Kaukoranta, current president of the Assembly of States Parties, and seven of her predecessors. They argued that the campaign to weaken the court forces a choice between a world based on the rule of law and one where "might decides what is right." State Department spokeswoman Paloma Chacon responded that the administration would continue its campaign to prevent the ICC from targeting American personnel or officials.
The diplomatic and economic pressure affects the International Criminal Court, its 124 member states, and the legal professionals employed by the institution. The administration confirmed it has sanctioned two officials: ICC President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer. For these individuals, the sanctions result in the freezing of assets under U.S. jurisdiction. For the member states of the Rome Statute—the treaty that established the court—the U.S. has urged countries to quit the institution.
ICC judges and U.S. advocacy groups have filed lawsuits challenging these measures, alleging that the administration’s actions violate free speech rights. If more countries withdraw from the Rome Statute due to U.S. pressure, the court's jurisdictional reach could be reduced.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in July 2026 that the U.S. was launching a campaign to dismantle the ICC, and spokeswoman Paloma Chacon stated on September 3, 2026, that these efforts will continue. The administration has indicated it will step up efforts to persuade other nations to leave the institution.