Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on October 9, 2026, that the Trump administration is imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court itself. “Today, the Trump Administration is sanctioning the ICC,” Rubio declared, stating the action is designed to block transactions and restrict the court’s ability to operate against US personnel. The measures respond to ICC efforts that include arrest warrants for Israeli leaders and earlier investigations into American military actions, which Washington views as overstepping jurisdiction over non-member states. Rubio described the court as a rogue institution that threatens American sovereignty and made clear the United States will not allow its citizens or service members to face prosecution there. He structured the sanctions to give ICC member states, many of them US allies, time to negotiate reforms.

The announcement escalates previous penalties that had already targeted individual judges and prosecutors. Rubio called on those allies to rein in the court or risk further steps, framing the move as a permanent solution to what the administration sees as an ongoing threat. The sanctions aim to cut off resources and complicate the court’s day-to-day functions while still allowing limited temporary licenses for certain operations. Officials emphasized that the United States has never accepted the ICC’s authority and will continue adjusting measures if concerns remain unaddressed. The decision has already drawn strong reactions from the court and its supporters, who view it as an assault on international justice. As the policy takes effect, the focus shifts to whether member countries will push for changes or face intensified pressure from Washington.