US directly sanctions ‘rogue’ International Criminal Court: ‘End this threat once and for all’

Published October 9, 2026 10:31am ET | Updated October 9, 2026 10:31am ET



The Department of State is taking its most dramatic action yet against the International Criminal Court, directly sanctioning the institution and demanding that allies follow suit.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision in a Friday address, declaring that the U.S. will restrict international transactions with the court and seek to isolate it both materially and politically. It is the first round of sanctions directed specifically at the ICC, rather than at a judge or official within the organization.

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