The United States has launched a broad campaign to isolate the International Criminal Court, arguing the court threatens U.S. sovereignty and seeks to curb its authority politically and financially.

Officials say no diplomatic option is off the table, with potential travel bans, visa revocations, and stricter sanctions against the ICC and related entities under consideration.

Senator Marco Rubio amplified the push by penning an Wall Street Journal piece and releasing a short video urging other nations to join the effort to curb or dismantle the ICC.

CNN Newsource contributed to this report.

Historically, U.S. positions have varied, with some Trump administration elements supporting ICC jurisdiction in limited contexts, while 2025 sanctions targeted ICC personnel and related actors.

Earlier, President Trump issued an executive order in February 2025 authorizing sanctions on ICC officials after ICC warrants were issued for Israeli leaders linked to the Gaza war.

Withdrawal dynamics show several countries leaving or threatening withdrawal in recent years, while others signed but never ratified the Rome Statute, including the United States, Russia, and Israel.

Past actions include national emergencies and sanctions on ICC officials, expanding to related actors such as UN rapporteurs and certain Palestinian groups.

The coverage traces the continuity from Trump’s first term to the current administration, noting a broadened, coordinated effort to undermine ICC legitimacy.

The push ties to ICC investigations concerning Israel, including warrants against Netanyahu and other figures, and notes lawsuits against Trump, Rubio, and Scott Bessent as part of the broader confrontation.

The ICC is described as a permanent, independent court with jurisdiction over war crimes, though the U.S. has criticized its investigations into alleged U.S. actions in Afghanistan and warrants for Israeli leaders.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders and Hamas figures, with ongoing casualties in Gaza since October 2023 cited in the context of debates over ICC authority.