Trump Administration Prepares Sweeping Sanctions Against International Criminal Court

The Trump administration is preparing unprecedented sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. Unlike previous measures targeting specific individuals, the new actions aim to impose financial and administrative restrictions on the entire institution. An official announcement is expected during the UN General Assembly in New York.

The move comes amid Washington's demand that the ICC drop arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant related to the conflict in Gaza. The administration also wants the court to halt its investigation into alleged actions by US military forces in Afghanistan. Concurrently, Senator Marco Rubio is leading an international campaign urging countries to withdraw from the ICC.

If implemented, US Treasury Department economic measures would prohibit US companies and entities from providing funds, products, or services to the ICC without special authorization. Experts believe this could cripple the court's operations by severing its financial ties to the international banking system, potentially impacting payroll, recruitment, and contracts with technology and insurance providers.

Reports indicate the administration may allow a transition period of six to seven months before the restrictions take full effect, giving organizations and influential parties time to settle their obligations. The United States, which has not been a member of the ICC since its establishment in 2002, maintains it will not tolerate judicial actions against its allies.