Trump jokes about ICC as US steps up campaign against the court

US President Donald Trump joked on Friday that he has not become a target of the International Criminal Court, making the remarks as his administration continues a diplomatic campaign against the Hague based institution and encourages member states to withdraw from it.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat, Trump interrupted Secretary of State Marco Rubio while he was explaining the administration’s opposition to the court. Trump joked that there was no indication the ICC was pursuing him but added that it “could happen,” prompting laughter from those in attendance.

The president then said Rubio was not trying to defend him but was instead supporting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the ICC in 2024. Trump referred to the Israeli leader by his commonly used nickname, Bibi.

The comments came as the United States continues to increase pressure on the International Criminal Court. In July, Washington launched a broad diplomatic effort aimed at weakening support for the institution. The campaign includes plans for additional sanctions against the court and calls on member countries to leave the organisation.

Relations between the Trump administration and the ICC have remained tense. The United States has already imposed sanctions on several judges linked to the court, accusing it of overstepping its authority and threatening American interests.

The International Criminal Court was established in 2002 to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious international offences when national legal systems are unwilling or unable to take action.

Rubio repeated the administration’s criticism of the court during Friday’s meeting, describing it as an illegitimate international organisation. He said the United States had previously attempted to encourage reforms but claimed those efforts had failed. According to Rubio, the administration has now shifted its focus to reducing the court’s influence and encouraging more countries to reconsider their membership.

He also said that five countries had either withdrawn from the ICC or announced plans to do so, adding that Washington hopes additional nations will follow the same path. Chad and Venezuela have recently declared their intention to leave the court.

Neither the United States nor Israel is a member of the ICC. Both countries are not parties to the Rome Statute, the international treaty that created the court. Despite that, the ICC has continued to investigate cases involving several global conflicts, leading to repeated disagreements with governments that reject its jurisdiction.

The latest remarks from Trump and Rubio underline the administration’s determination to challenge the authority of the International Criminal Court and strengthen its campaign against an institution it says exceeds its legal mandate.