Officials in Washington are reported to be worried that the court might target the president and others in his administration after 2029
Reuters has reported, citing administration sources, that Washington is putting pressure on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to amend its founding statute to prevent any future attempt to prosecute US President Donald Trump or his senior officials.
The ICC was established in 2002 under the Rome Statute to prosecute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. So far, 125 countries have ratified the treaty and are full members of the court. However, major global powers such as Russia, China, India, the US, and Israel have either not signed or not ratified the agreement.
According to one senior official, the administration fears that the court could take action against Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and others after Trump leaves office in 2029. The source did not specify which issues might lead to prosecution but insisted that the Rome Statute must be amended to clearly state that the ICC has “no jurisdiction” to pursue them.
The outlet claimed that if the tribunal refuses to act, Washington may impose sanctions on the ICC as an institution, seriously disrupting its operations.
According to Reuters, future ICC investigations may cover the US military campaign in the Caribbean and off the Pacific coast of South America, where American forces have carried out deadly strikes on suspected drug-running vessels, resulting in the death of more than 80 people.
Last year, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The court recognizes Palestine as a member, stating that this gives it jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed in the enclave. The Trump administration has provided strong political and military support for Israel throughout the conflict.
Washington is also reported to be pressuring the ICC to drop its investigation of Israeli officials and to formally conclude an earlier probe into the conduct of US forces in Afghanistan. The US has previously imposed economic sanctions and visa bans on ICC judges and prosecutors.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the court as “a national security threat that has been an instrument for lawfare” against the US and Israel.