US Imposes Sanctions on International Criminal Court

The United States imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on October 9, 2026, citing concerns that the institution could pursue American citizens, military personnel, and political leaders. The Trump administration said the measures would restrict transactions with the court, cut off resources, and limit its ability to operate. According to a statement published by the US Department of State, the designation reflects Washington's longstanding opposition to the ICC exercising jurisdiction over Americans.

The United States has never joined the court, the statement said, and the administration maintains that American citizens are not subject to its authority. The sanctions target the ICC under section 1(a)(ii)(A) of Executive Order 14203. The State Department said Washington had delayed the designation while allowing time for the court to address US concerns and for its member states to exercise restraint.

The administration said neither the ICC nor its member states had taken meaningful steps to resolve those concerns. It also said the measures were structured to leave room for diplomatic negotiations and a possible resolution.

President Donald Trump will not allow the court to prosecute Americans, according to the State Department statement. The administration framed the sanctions as a means of preventing the ICC from pursuing US citizens, service members, Border Patrol agents, and elected officials involved in national security. The statement also said the United States had expected the court to demonstrate good faith for more than a year. During that period, Washington exercised discretion and postponed the designation in the hope that the ICC would change its approach or that member states would limit its actions.

The administration said it remained open to a diplomatic settlement, although it warned that further measures could follow if negotiations failed. The sanctions were presented as an opportunity for ICC member states to propose a solution addressing Washington's objections. The State Department called on US allies that participate in the ICC to intervene, noting that many rely on American service members for their defense. The administration said it expected those countries to restrain the court and indicated that the United States could expand its campaign against the institution if its concerns remained unresolved.