Trump Signs Decree for Sanctions Against International Criminal Court

washington - President Trump signs decree to impose sanctions on ICC employees, Netherlands regrets decision.

Trump Signs Decree for Sanctions Against International Criminal Court

President Trump has signed a decree on Thursday to impose sanctions on employees of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Trump is angered by the court in The Hague for issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC suspects Netanyahu of being responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.

It remains unclear how quickly the US will disclose the names of individuals targeted by the sanctions. The ICC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The court has taken measures to protect its staff from American sanctions by paying salaries three months in advance, sources told Reuters last month.

Russia has also targeted the ICC, which issued an arrest warrant against President Vladimir Putin in 2023. He is accused of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine.

The Netherlands regrets Trump's decision, according to Minister Caspar Veldkamp (Foreign Affairs, NSC) on X. 'The work of the court is essential in the fight against impunity,' he writes. 'Our country has a strong reputation and responsibility as a host country of important international legal institutions.'

'The Netherlands actively contributes to strengthening the international legal order and multilateral cooperation and will faithfully comply with binding international legal and treaty obligations,' said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.