Administration Plans to Take Down ICC

The Trump administration isn't just criticizing the International Criminal Court anymore, it's pledging to take it apart, the New York Times reports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday the US will work to "systematically disable" the Hague-based tribunal, which prosecutes genocide, war crimes, and other major atrocities, arguing it threatens American sovereignty by claiming the right to pursue US troops and officials. In announcing the attack in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal and a video message posted on social media, per the Hill, Rubio said the administration will use every tool available and enlist like-minded allies to "dismantle" the court "brick by brick, if necessary."

The State Department warned the ICC is trying to become an "unaccountable global arbiter" and threatened more sanctions on court officials, as well as pressure on allies who don't reject the court's authority. The US has long opposed ICC investigations involving American forces in Afghanistan and cases touching Israel. In reality, the court has limited power to reach Americans: It relies on member states to make arrests, and more than 100 countries have promised not to hand over US citizens. Still, legal experts say the aggressive stance could undercut efforts to prosecute grave international crimes and strain ties with European partners who see the court as central to global justice. Other nations have left the court, including Niger last month after saying it has been misused.