NEW YORK — President Donald Trump used the United Nations General Assembly to call on all 125 member states to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Trump said the United States would never accept American soldiers or citizens being investigated or prosecuted by a court that, in his view, lacks jurisdiction.
The United States is not an ICC member, but the Court can investigate Americans for alleged crimes committed in countries that recognize its jurisdiction. Washington has imposed sanctions on the ICC, its judges and employees over the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and investigations involving US forces in Afghanistan.
Trump did not announce new sanctions during his speech, providing temporary relief for the Court. International media have nevertheless reported that additional measures are being prepared. The Netherlands, as the ICC’s host country, opposes the sanctions and is using behind-the-scenes diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
Trump also criticized the United Nations, defended cuts to US funding and announced that Washington would begin expanding its military presence in Greenland. He additionally defended the war against Iran and urged UN members to isolate the country further economically.