Trump's Bid to Weaken ICC Sees Few Adherents Amid Global Defense

President Donald Trump has intensified the United States’ campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging nations to leave the Hague-based institution. Trump described the ICC as “evil” and a “rogue institution,” arguing it oversteps its authority by seeking jurisdiction over citizens of countries that have not ratified its founding Rome Statute, including the U.S. and Israel.

However, Trump’s appeal has garnered minimal support. During the recent UN General Assembly, only Naoero, a small Pacific island nation formerly known as Nauru, announced its intention to withdraw, citing the ICC’s “increasing irrelevance” and “illegitimate overreach.”

In contrast, many nations, particularly European countries, have publicly defended the ICC. Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten addressed the General Assembly, stating the court is “under attack” and questioned opposition to prosecuting egregious crimes. He called for a unified stance of support for the ICC and other institutions upholding the international legal order.

The U.S. campaign has included financial sanctions and visa bans targeting ICC staff. Sources indicate further sanctions are being prepared that could significantly impede the court’s operations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously launched a diplomatic effort to “dismantle the ICC — brick by brick,” asserting it threatened American service members and those involved in U.S. operations.

The ICC has been a focal point of international scrutiny, particularly after issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials in relation to the Gaza war. While Venezuela and Chad have also announced plans to withdraw since the U.S. campaign intensified, other nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had previously withdrawn, denouncing the court as a tool of “neocolonial repression.”

The European Union is considering a “blocking statute” to counter potential U.S. sanctions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas affirmed the bloc’s readiness to defend the ICC, emphasizing its importance beyond Europe. Japan, whose national heads the ICC, has also voiced strong support for the court’s mission.

Experts suggest that while the U.S. is aligning with figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also faces an ICC arrest warrant and seeks to undermine the court, the broader international commitment to accountability limits the impact of Washington’s efforts.