Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Aug 1: US President Donald Trump has said his administration's campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC) is intended to protect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others from prosecution, rather than to shield himself.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, Trump made the remarks after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that five countries had announced plans to withdraw from the ICC following the United States' campaign against the court, which Washington argues poses a threat to US sovereignty.
"There’s no information that they're after me," Trump said. "It could happen, but just so you know, he (Rubio) is not trying to defend me. He's trying to defend Bibi and various other people. But there are many people that shouldn't be looked at that way. There is no indication that I'm one of them at this moment."
Rubio said the administration's primary concern was protecting US military personnel, arguing that American service members could face prosecution years after participating in military operations.
"The people in the greatest danger are US service members," Rubio said, warning that they could be investigated over their actions during armed conflicts.
The ICC, established in 2002, prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. Although the United States is not a member of the court, the ICC claims jurisdiction over alleged atrocity crimes committed on the territory of member states, even if the accused are citizens of non-member countries.
Trump's opposition to the ICC dates back to his first presidential term and intensified after the court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict.
Earlier this month, Rubio criticised the Hague-based court, citing calls by activists to investigate US personnel over issues including migrant deportations and military operations against suspected drug-trafficking vessels.
The Trump administration has announced plans to encourage more countries to leave the ICC while pursuing additional sanctions and travel restrictions against court officials and affiliated organisations in an effort to weaken the institution. Critics, including ICC judges and US advocacy groups, have challenged the measures, arguing they violate free speech rights and undermine international justice.