UNITED NATIONS: President Donald Trump called on Tuesday for countries to immediately withdraw from the International Criminal Court, labeling it “evil” and “a rogue institution,” yet only Naoero, a small Pacific island nation formerly known as Nauru, has acted on this appeal during the UN General Assembly.
Trump’s endorsement intensified a growing U.S.-backed campaign against the Hague-based court, which Washington criticizes for asserting jurisdiction over citizens of non-member states such as the United States and Israel. While a few nations have moved to exit the court, numerous European governments have reaffirmed their support, bolstering the institution through 125 signatory countries.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten criticized ICC attacks on Thursday, urging delegates to protect the court and other institutions safeguarding the international legal order, drawing applause from the assembly.
The U.S. has imposed financial sanctions and visa restrictions on ICC officials and is reportedly preparing additional measures to undermine the court’s operations, according to sources.
’Dismantle the ICC’
In July, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced efforts to systematically dismantle the ICC, arguing it threatens American personnel and actions related to Trump administration deportation policies.
Trump previously stated the campaign aims to shield Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from ICC arrest warrants issued in 2024 for his role in the Gaza conflict.
Following Rubio’s push, Venezuela and Chad announced ICC withdrawal plans. Previously, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger exited, citing the court as a tool of “neocolonial oppression.”
Naoero President David Adeang pledged to withdraw from the Rome Statute, asserting the ICC’s “increasing irrelevance” and aligning with growing nations resisting its perceived overreach.
“Naoero joins a growing number of nations standing up for their sovereignty against the ICC’s illegitimate overreach,” U.S. officials stated after meeting with Naoero’s deputy foreign minister.
Defending the court
The European Union is coordinating efforts to counter potential U.S. sanctions through a proposed blocking statute.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized collective tools to defend ICC operations and accountability, stressing it is “not only a European issue” but a global concern.
ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national under U.S. sanctions, prompted Japan to label the proposed measures “very unfortunate” and dispatch officials to support her. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the rule of law at the UNGA.
International Crisis Group’s Brian Finucane noted broad support for ICC accountability, observing that U.S. aggression aligns with Russian opposition to the court, particularly after Putin faced an ICC arrest warrant.
