Trump Says U.S. ICC Campaign Aims to Protect Netanyahu, Not Himself

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States' campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC) is focused on protecting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials from prosecution, rather than shielding himself from any potential legal action.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting at Camp David, Trump addressed remarks made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said five countries had announced plans to withdraw from the ICC since Washington launched its campaign against the court earlier this month. The administration argues the ICC threatens U.S. sovereignty and could improperly target American personnel.

"There’s no information that they’re after me," Trump said. "It could happen, but he’s not trying to defend me. He’s trying to defend Bibi and various other people." Trump added that, at present, there is no indication that the ICC is pursuing a case against him.

Rubio said the administration’s primary concern is protecting U.S. military personnel, warning that American service members could face prosecution years after participating in military operations overseas.

Established in 2002, the International Criminal Court investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Although the United States has never joined the court, the ICC claims jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed within the territory of member states, including cases involving citizens of countries that are not ICC members.

Trump's opposition to the court dates back to his first term in office. The issue regained prominence after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict.

Earlier this month, Rubio criticized the Hague-based court over calls by activists to investigate U.S. officials and military personnel for actions including migrant deportations and counter-narcotics operations. The Trump administration has pledged to encourage more countries to leave the ICC while expanding sanctions and travel restrictions targeting court officials and affiliated organizations. Those measures are currently facing legal challenges from ICC judges and U.S.-based advocacy groups, which argue the administration's actions violate free speech protections.