Full Breakdown
Trump Calls for Nations to Quit International Criminal Court Amid Limited Follow-up
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Trump Urges Immediate ICC Withdrawals at the UN
Trump called the International Criminal Court “evil” and “out-of-control.” Only Naoero, a Pacific island nation formerly known as Nauru, announced a formal withdrawal from the Rome Statute during the same session.
Background & Context
The United States has intensified its campaign against the Hague-based court, arguing the ICC exceeds its authority by asserting jurisdiction over nationals of non-signatory states, including the United States and Israel. Prior to Trump’s September speech, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Venezuela and Chad had already announced exits. The campaign includes U.S. financial sanctions and visa bans targeting ICC staff, with additional sanctions under preparation.
Data & Statistics
- Parties to the Rome Statute: 125 countries.
- Nations that have announced withdrawals (as of the UN session): Naoero, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Venezuela, Chad.
Official Statements & Responses
- President Donald Trump framed the ICC as an “out-of-control institution” that threatens U.S. sovereignty.
- David Adeang, President of Naoero, said the island would withdraw because the ICC has become “increasingly irrelevant.”
- Rob Jetten, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, warned the court is “under attack” and called for “hands off the ICC.”
- Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan, reaffirmed “consistent support” for the ICC, linking Japan’s post-World-War II commitment to the rule of law with its backing of multilateral institutions.
- Kaja Kallas, EU foreign-policy chief, indicated the European Union is considering a “blocking statute” to counter potential U.S. sanctions and stressed that defending the ICC is a broader issue.
- Michael DeSombre, U.S. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, praised Naoero’s move as a stand for sovereignty against “illegitimate overreach.”
- Tomoko Akane, ICC President, rejected intimidation, stating the court “will never be defeated” and that “justice will and should prevail.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Since the end of the Second World War, Japan, as a peace-loving nation, has attached great importance to the rule of law in the settlement of any disputes,” — Sanae Takaichi
- “It’s an absolutely failed state, it’s failing like never before, and it will fall,” — Donald Trump