Trump administration imposes new sanctions on the International Criminal Court

On October 9, 2026, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping new sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the measures are designed to prohibit all transactions with the institution, effectively cutting off its resources and attempting to paralyze its operations. While previous U.S. administrations and the current one have targeted individual prosecutors and judges, these new measures expand the scope to potentially include private companies providing services to the court.

The decision follows the announcement that South African jurist Navi Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Secretary of State Rubio justified the move by asserting that President Trump will not permit the ICC to prosecute American citizens. The timing of the sanctions has fueled diplomatic friction with European allies who support the tribunal.

In response to the U.S. announcement, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan condemned the sanctions as an attempt to undermine the rule of law and the independence of the judicial institution. Despite the pressure, the Court has publicly declared that it intends to continue its investigative work and legal proceedings, rejecting the U.S. effort to impede its mandate.