Trump Says US Campaign Against ICC Is Meant to Protect Netanyahu, Not Him… ‘There’s No Indication They’re After Me’

US President Donald Trump has said that his administration’s campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC) is intended to protect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials from prosecution, rather than defend him personally.

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Trump addressed speculation about whether he could become a target of the Hague-based court. He stated that there is currently no indication that the tribunal is pursuing any case against him.”There’s no information that they’re after me,” Trump said. “He’s not trying to defend me. He’s trying to defend Bibi and various other people.”

Trump used Netanyahu’s commonly known nickname, “Bibi,” while explaining that the administration’s focus is on protecting Israeli leaders and others whom it believes should not face prosecution through the ICC.

Rubio says US troops could also face legal risks

During the Cabinet briefing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration’s concerns extend beyond Israeli officials.

According to Rubio, American military personnel could also face legal action years after participating in overseas military operations if the ICC expands its investigations.

He argued that protecting US service members from international prosecutions remains a key priority for Washington’s foreign policy.

Rubio also revealed that five countries have expressed their intention to withdraw from the ICC, following the United States’ diplomatic campaign urging nations to reconsider their membership.

Why the Trump administration opposes the ICC

The International Criminal Court, established in 2002 and headquartered in The Hague, investigates allegations of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity when national judicial systems are unwilling or unable to prosecute such cases.

Although the United States has never ratified the Rome Statute the treaty that created the ICC the court can exercise jurisdiction over individuals from non-member countries if alleged crimes are committed within the territory of an ICC member state.

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The Trump administration has long opposed the court, arguing that it infringes upon US sovereignty and unfairly targets American allies.

Its criticism intensified after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the conflict in Gaza. Israel has rejected the allegations.

Sanctions and diplomatic pressure

Earlier this month, Rubio criticised the ICC after activist groups called for investigations into US officials over issues including border enforcement, migrant deportations, and military operations against suspected drug trafficking networks.

The administration has since announced plans to increase pressure on the court by encouraging more countries to leave the ICC while imposing travel restrictions and financial sanctions on certain ICC officials and affiliated organisations.

However, those measures are facing legal challenges from advocacy groups and ICC representatives, who argue that the sanctions violate constitutional protections related to free speech and international legal cooperation.

A continuing international debate

The dispute reflects the long-running divide between the United States and the International Criminal Court over questions of jurisdiction, sovereignty, and accountability.

While Washington maintains that its actions are designed to protect US personnel and close allies from politically motivated prosecutions, supporters of the ICC argue that the court plays an essential role in ensuring accountability for serious international crimes when domestic legal systems fail to act.