The move, announced on Thursday, has sparked global condemnation while receiving support from some quarters.
The sanctions come in response to the ICC's recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, which Israel denies, and a Hamas commander.
Trump accused the court of engaging in "illegitimate and baseless actions" that threaten U.S. sovereignty and national security interests.
In a statement, the ICC condemned the sanctions and vowed to continue its judicial work.
"The court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world," the ICC said, urging its 125 member states to support its staff.
Trump's executive order has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the sanctions, stating that the ICC "must be able to freely pursue the fight against global impunity."
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also voiced regret, emphasizing the court's role in combating war crimes.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch Trump ally, praised the move, suggesting it was time for Hungary to reconsider its participation in the ICC.
"New winds are blowing in international politics. We call it the Trump-tornado," Orban posted on X.
The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans on designated ICC officials and their families. Court officials met in The Hague on Friday to assess the implications of these measures, which could significantly impact the court's operations.
The U.S. has historically opposed ICC jurisdiction over its nationals. During his first administration, Trump imposed similar sanctions on former ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda over investigations into alleged American war crimes in Afghanistan. Those sanctions were later lifted by President Joe Biden's administration.
The ICC has faced resistance from powerful nations before. In 2023, Russia banned ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan and placed him on a wanted list after the court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children.
In response to increasing pressure on the ICC, a coalition of nations, including South Africa and Malaysia, recently formed the 'Hague Group' to defend the court's authority and rulings.
The UN has urged Washington to reverse its decision, warning that the sanctions undermine international justice efforts. However, Trump and his allies remain firm in their stance, arguing that the ICC unfairly targets Israel and threatens U.S. national security interests.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/trump-hits-international-criminal-court-with-sanctions
