Trump tells nations to quit ICC. Few do.

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

President Donald Trump urged countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, labeling it a “rogue institution,” with only Naoero formally exiting amid ongoing U.S. efforts including sanctions to undermine the court. This challenge to the ICC has drawn strong opposition from the European Union, Japan, and other members defending the court’s role in international justice during the United Nations General Assembly.

U.S. President Donald Trump called on countries to immediately withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing the tribunal as “evil” and a “rogue institution,” but only one nation has followed through on this appeal during the current United Nations General Assembly. Naoero, a small Pacific island state formerly known as Nauru, announced its formal withdrawal from the ICC, citing concerns over the court’s “increasing irrelevance” and what it characterized as illegitimate overreach.

Trump’s remarks on Tuesday marked a continuation of a broader U.S. campaign against the ICC, which Washington argues exceeds its mandate by asserting jurisdiction over individuals from countries such as the United States and Israel—both of which have not ratified the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute. The campaign has included financial sanctions and visa restrictions against court staff, with reports of additional sanctions in preparation that could further hamper the court’s operations.

Since July, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has intensified diplomatic efforts to “dismantle the ICC — brick by brick, if necessary,” framing the court as a threat to American service members and officials involved in immigration enforcement and anti-narcotics operations. Trump and U.S. officials have emphasized that the campaign aims to shield Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, along with others, has been subject to ICC-issued arrest warrants related to the 2024 Gaza conflict.

While a handful of countries including Venezuela, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced plans or completed withdrawals—often denouncing the ICC as an instrument of “neocolonial repression”—most members and a majority of the international community continue to support the court’s role in upholding international justice. There are currently 125 parties to the Rome Statute.

European leaders voiced their support for the ICC during the General Assembly. Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten highlighted the court’s importance and warned about the risks it faces, drawing applause from delegates without directly naming the United States. “How can you possibly be opposed to prosecuting the very worst crimes?” he said, calling for a unified defense of the ICC and related institutions that safeguard the international legal order.

The European Union is reportedly considering countermeasures, including a blocking statute, to mitigate the impact of potential U.S. sanctions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas underscored the bloc’s readiness to protect the ICC’s functioning, describing accountability at the court as a global concern rather than a regional one.

Japan, whose national Tomoko Akane serves as the ICC president and who has been personally targeted by U.S. sanctions, expressed support for the court. Japanese officials labeled the U.S. sanctions “very unfortunate” and sent a diplomat to The Hague to discuss assistance. In her General Assembly address, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the rule of law and international justice, citing its post-World War II dedication to peaceful dispute resolution.

As the U.N. session continues, the ICC remains a focal point of contention in the broader debate over international law, sovereignty, and accountability.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.