Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Trump Urges Countries to Leave ICC, Few Follow Lead
Donald Trump asked countries to quit the International Criminal Court, or ICC.
He says the court has gone beyond its proper authority.
The United States has already punished some court workers with sanctions and visa bans.
So far, only Naoero, a small Pacific island country, has announced its withdrawal during this week’s United Nations meetings.
Venezuela and Chad have also said they plan to leave.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their withdrawals the year before.
Many European countries and Japan still support the ICC.
They say the court helps hold people accountable under international law.
President Donald Trump urged countries to leave the International Criminal Court, calling it “evil” and “a rogue institution.”
Only Naoero, formerly known as Nauru, announced its withdrawal during this week’s United Nations General Assembly.
Venezuela and Chad have announced plans to withdraw, while Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced exits the previous year.
The United States has imposed financial sanctions and visa bans on ICC personnel and is preparing further measures.
The European Union, Japan and other governments have defended the court as important to international accountability and the rule of law.
- Who
- President Donald Trump urged countries to leave the International Criminal Court; Naoero announced its withdrawal, while the European Union, Japan and other governments defended the court.
- What
- Trump escalated a United States campaign against the ICC, but few countries have followed his call to withdraw.
- When
- Trump made the appeal on Tuesday during the United Nations General Assembly week; the article is dated September 24.
- Where
- The appeal and announcements occurred during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, while the ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands.
- Why
- The United States says the ICC improperly claims jurisdiction over citizens of countries, including the United States and Israel, that have not ratified the Rome Statute; supporters say the court advances accountability and the rule of law.
United States Position
ICC Supporters’ Position
Court authority
United States Position
The United States says the ICC oversteps its authority by claiming jurisdiction over citizens of countries, including the United States and Israel, that have not ratified the Rome Statute.
ICC Supporters’ Position
The European Union, Japan and other governments describe the ICC as important to international accountability, the rule of law and the settlement of disputes.
U.S. campaign against the court
United States Position
The Trump administration says pressure on the ICC is needed to protect American service members and people carrying out Trump’s deportation policies and strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats.
ICC Supporters’ Position
Supporters argue that many countries remain invested in the ICC’s accountability mission and are rallying to keep it functioning.
Effect of sanctions
United States Position
The United States has imposed sanctions and visa bans and is preparing further measures that could weaken the court’s ability to operate.
ICC Supporters’ Position
The European Union says it has tools to respond, while Japan has sent an official to The Hague to discuss support for ICC President Tomoko Akane.
- Countries party to the ICC statute
- 125 countries
- Country announcing withdrawal this week
- Naoero, formerly known as Nauru
- Other planned withdrawals
- Venezuela and Chad
- Previous withdrawals announced
- Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger
- United States measures
- Financial sanctions and visa bans against court personnel
- European response
- The European Union has discussed a blocking statute and other tools to defend the court
- ICC location
- The Hague, Netherlands