Trump Sanctions ICC Over War Crimes Investigations

WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of engaging in "illegitimate and baseless actions" against the United States and its close ally, Israel.

The sanctions include financial and visa restrictions on individuals and their families who support ICC investigations into American citizens or allies.

Trump's decision came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington for a visit. The move follows the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and a Hamas commander over alleged war crimes in Gaza—claims that Israel has strongly denied.

Trump Administration Sanctions ICC Over Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas Commander

WASHINGTON – A White House memo circulated Thursday condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) for creating a "shameful moral equivalency" between Hamas and Israel by issuing arrest warrants for both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a Hamas commander simultaneously.

In response, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order sanctioning the Hague-based court, arguing its actions "set a dangerous precedent" that could expose American citizens to "harassment, abuse, and possible arrest." The order further stated that the ICC's investigations threaten U.S. sovereignty and undermine national security, particularly in relation to Israel.

The United States has never been a member of the ICC and has consistently rejected its jurisdiction over American citizens and officials. The White House accused the court of restricting Israel’s right to self-defense while failing to hold Iran and anti-Israel groups accountable.

During his first term, Trump had imposed sanctions on ICC officials investigating possible U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan, but those were later lifted by President Joe Biden’s administration. Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to sanction the ICC again, but the bill stalled in the Senate.

The ICC, which has over 120 member countries—including many European nations—serves as a court of last resort, stepping in only when national governments fail to prosecute war crimes. However, neither the U.S. nor Israel are members.

Trump's executive order emphasized that both nations are "thriving democracies with militaries that strictly adhere to the laws of war."

Biden, Trump Criticize ICC as Trump Proposes U.S. Control Over Gaza

WASHINGTON – In his final weeks in office, President Joe Biden joined the criticism of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "outrageous" and rejecting any comparison between Israel and Hamas.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has escalated his stance by signing a new executive order sanctioning the ICC, following his announcement of a controversial plan to "take over" Gaza. Speaking alongside Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump outlined a proposal for the U.S. to assume control of the Palestinian territory, resettle its population, and transform it into the "Riviera of the Middle East."

The plan was met with strong condemnation from Arab leaders and the United Nations. Despite the backlash, Trump reaffirmed his position on Thursday via his Truth Social platform, stating that "the Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting."

He reiterated that the proposal involved relocating Palestinians but clarified that no U.S. troops would be deployed. However, his statement left ambiguity over whether Gaza's two million residents would be allowed to return, prompting confusion and urgent clarification efforts from officials.

Trump Signs ICC Sanctions Order as Netanyahu Backs U.S. Gaza Plan

WASHINGTON – The White House has clarified that any displacement of Gaza’s population under former President Donald Trump proposed U.S. takeover would be temporary, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Gazans would leave for an "interim" period while reconstruction took place.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Trump’s "remarkable" vision to reshape Gaza, as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to prepare for the "voluntary departure" of residents via land, sea, and air.

Trump signed the executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday while Netanyahu continued his Washington visit, meeting lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties on Capitol Hill. The order targets individuals involved in ICC investigations of American citizens and allies, following the court’s issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas commander over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

During his visit, Netanyahu presented Trump with a symbolic golden pager, referencing Israel’s operation against Hezbollah last September, which used booby-trapped communications devices. The attacks resulted in dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries, including civilians, according to Lebanese officials.

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