Marco Rubio Warns ICC Against Targeting Americans
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly criticised the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of undermining American sovereignty and attempting to restrict US foreign policy. Speaking at the Federalist Society’s National Lawyers Convention in Washington on Friday, November 13, Rubio warned that the United States would resist attempts to enforce the court’s rulings against American personnel.
Marco Rubio Rejects International Criminal Court Authority
Rubio argued that the United States had never accepted the ICC’s jurisdiction and should not be bound by decisions from international institutions it had not authorised.
He accused international judges and bureaucrats of attempting to exercise authority over American officials and military personnel.
Rubio suggested that Washington could respond with force if the court attempted to enforce rulings against Americans, quoting the Roman general Pompey in support of his position.
Trump Administration Defends ICC Sanctions
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on ICC prosecutors and judges, particularly over investigations involving American military operations and arrest warrants issued against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Additional sanctions are scheduled to take effect in April 2027 unless an agreement is reached.
The ICC, established in 2002, prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It retains substantial support among European governments and other member states.
Rubio Defends US Military Operations Against Iran
Rubio also defended American military operations against Iran, maintaining that preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons remained a central national security objective.
He rejected criticism of the administration’s actions in Venezuela and strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
The speech followed Republican defeats in the November 3 midterm elections and renewed speculation about Rubio’s possible presidential ambitions in 2028.
However, Rubio has denied reports that he intends to launch a presidential campaign.
