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US sanctions ICC as Rubio vows to 'end' court over American jurisdiction
The United States imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing financial measures hours after a former ICC judge won the Nobel Peace prize.
By Haut Monde Post
• October 9, 2026
• 2 Min Read
The US sanctions ICC escalation was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Washington would impose financial sanctions on the court just hours after a former ICC judge was awarded the Nobel Peace prize.
Rubio announces transaction ban
In a video posted on X, Rubio said the United States would ban transactions with the court, cut off its resources and cripple its ability to operate, arguing that the United States and the American people are not subject to its jurisdiction.
"We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us."
He added that the US does not need the court and does not want it, and framed the escalation as a choice: "Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC."
ICC calls move an assault on the legal order
The court accused Donald Trump's officials of attempting to obstruct the course of justice, and said in a statement: "It is an assault on the rule of law and on the very foundations of the international legal order."
The ICC warned that "history will judge this moment" and urged other members to ensure it can continue its function.
Why Washington targets the court
The Trump administration accuses the court of politicization and of unfairly targeting Americans with war crime charges. Its grievances include:
- •The ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, which the administration has repeatedly condemned.
- •The court's investigation into the actions of US soldiers in Afghanistan, although that case has been closed.
What the ICC is
The court was established in 2002 as an international tribunal to hold countries accountable for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. Its members have been urged to ensure it can continue operating.
