Trump Slaps Sanctions on ICC Officials Amid Israel’s War Crimes Investigations

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 6, 2025, imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to its investigations into alleged war crimes involving U.S. personnel and preliminary inquiries regarding Israel.

The sanctions include financial penalties and visa restrictions against ICC officials who have assisted in these investigations, as well as their family members. This action is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests from what it perceives as overreach by international institutions.

The ICC had been conducting preliminary examinations into alleged war crimes committed by U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which drew strong opposition from Washington. Additionally, Israel has faced scrutiny over operations in Gaza, leading to further diplomatic tensions with countries that support ICC investigations.

Critics argue that these sanctions undermine global accountability mechanisms and could set a dangerous precedent for other nations seeking to evade scrutiny for human rights abuses. Organizations like Amnesty International have condemned the move as vindictive and harmful to international justice efforts.

The imposition of sanctions by US President Donald Trump on the International Criminal Court (ICC) has elicited strong reactions from around the world. 

Coalition of 79 Nations, a group representing about two-thirds of ICC member states, including the UK, France, Canada, Brazil, and Bangladesh, issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s actions. They argued that these sanctions elevate the risk of impunity for serious crimes and threaten international law.

As the host country of the ICC in The Hague, the Netherlands pledged to ensure uninterrupted operations despite U.S. sanctions. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof described these actions as “disturbing” and vowed continued support for the court.

European Council President Antonio Costa noted that these sanctions weaken international criminal justice systems overall.

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the U.S. sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court (ICC) by former President Donald Trump. The organization views these sanctions as a betrayal of the global justice system and an attempt to undermine international law.

Amnesty Secretary-General Agnès Callamard described Trump’s actions as “vindictive, aggressive, and a brutal step” against the rule of law. She emphasized that these sanctions send a message that Israel is above international justice principles.

Callamard argued that by supporting Israel in this manner, Trump is endorsing impunity for alleged crimes committed by Israeli leaders. This stance undermines decades of efforts to ensure accountability under international law.

Amnesty warned that such actions will embolden perpetrators and negatively impact victims worldwide who rely on the ICC for justice in countries like Darfur, Libya, Palestine, Ukraine, and Venezuela.