ICC Faces Possible US Financial Blockade Under New Trump Sanctions Plan

Trump Administration Prepares Sweeping Sanctions Against International Criminal Court

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing broad sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), escalating Washington’s campaign against the tribunal over its investigations involving Israel and the United States. The reported measures could target the ICC as an institution rather than individual officials. 

According to reports, the proposed sanctions could prohibit US citizens and companies from conducting most financial transactions with the ICC without special authorization. The restrictions could also effectively prevent the court from accessing US-dollar transactions and parts of the global financial system. A reported six- to seven-month wind-down period could be provided. 

The move follows the ICC’s November 2024 arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Both Israel and the United States reject the court’s jurisdiction in the matter. 

The United States has previously imposed sanctions on individual ICC judges and officials. The proposed institutional measures would represent a broader step by restricting the court itself, potentially affecting its ability to pay staff, obtain technology and insurance services, and conduct investigations. 

The reported plan comes as the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York. The ICC is based in The Hague and was established to prosecute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when national judicial systems are unable or unwilling to address such cases.