Washington Plans Sweeping Sanctions on International Criminal Court, Reports Say

Proposed restrictions could disrupt the Hague-based court’s funding, technology access and daily operations.

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing broad sanctions against the International Criminal Court that could destabilize the tribunal’s finances and day-to-day operations.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the measures would prohibit most transactions involving the ICC after a transition period of six to seven months.

The move would significantly intensify Washington’s campaign against the Hague-based institution by targeting the court itself, rather than individual judges and prosecutors.

Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that the administration expects to announce the sanctions soon.

The Journal, citing anonymous US officials, said a final decision could be made during the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York or shortly afterward.

If implemented, the restrictions would generally prevent Americans and US companies from providing the ICC with money, goods or services unless authorized by the Treasury Department.

Banks and businesses often respond cautiously to US sanctions because they depend on access to the American financial system.

The ICC’s president and registrar have previously warned that broad sanctions could hinder the court’s ability to purchase information technology and insurance, hire investigators and make routine payments, including salaries for American staff.

The ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when national authorities are unable or unwilling to act.

Washington has already sanctioned more than a dozen ICC judges and prosecutors under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in February 2025.

In August, the administration added ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye to the sanctions list, with restrictions scheduled to take effect on September 17.

The United States has never joined the court.

The Trump administration argues that the ICC has exceeded its authority by investigating officials from countries that are not members of the treaty.

Tensions escalated after the court issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

Israel, like the United States, is not an ICC member and rejects the court’s jurisdiction.

Washington has also opposed an earlier ICC investigation into alleged abuses in Afghanistan involving US personnel.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a campaign in July to further isolate the court and urged other countries to leave it.

The reported sanctions come amid rising opposition to the ICC in recent months.

Chad and Venezuela announced plans in July to withdraw from the court, following Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Four US-based rights organizations sued the Trump administration in August, claiming that existing sanctions are obstructing their legal and human rights work.

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