U.S. Rejects ICC Jurisdiction: A Preemptive Move Against Potential Prosecution of Trump?

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on July 2 (local time) that it will not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over U.S. citizens.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that he conveyed this position to ICC President Tomoko Akane, according to a press release issued by the Department of Justice, adding that the "ICC is increasingly acting in a lawless and illegitimate manner."

In a letter to President Akane, Acting Attorney General Blanche argued that the ICC engages in "selective law enforcement" and faces "allegations of internal misconduct," calling its fairness, credibility, and legitimacy into question.

The Department of Justice emphasized, "Under international law, a treaty cannot bind a state that has not consented to it," adding, "The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and has not consented to the authority of the ICC."

The department further stated, "The ICC has no jurisdiction over U.S. citizens anywhere in the world," and declared, "The United States will not cooperate with any ICC investigations, inquiries, summons, or proceedings."

Established in The Hague, Netherlands, in 2002 under the Rome Statute, the ICC is a permanent international court that has prosecuted former and current heads of state and other individuals for crimes such as war crimes and genocide, bringing them to justice under international law.

U.S. media outlets speculate that this rejection of ICC jurisdiction may be intended to prepare for the possibility of former President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other cabinet members facing prosecution after leaving office.

Previously, Reuters reported late last year, citing anonymous U.S. officials, that the Trump administration had demanded the ICC amend its regulations to guarantee "non-prosecution of Trump after he leaves office," threatening to impose additional sanctions on the court if it failed to comply.

Both within and outside the United States, concerns have been raised that incidents such as the bombing of a girls' school during the war with Iran or a series of attacks against civilian vessels in the Caribbean could potentially constitute war crimes.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.