Washington Threatens ICC with Sanctions Unless Statute is Amended to Grant Immunity to Trump

A Trump administration official revealed that Washington has pressured the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its member states to amend the Rome Statute of the Court. The goal is to ensure no future investigations are opened against President Trump and his top officials after his term ends in 2029, threatening to impose new, broader US sanctions on the Court if it fails to comply.

Washington's Main Demands to the ICC:

1. Grant Immunity to Trump: Amend the Statute to guarantee immunity for Trump, his Vice President, Secretary of War, and other officials after 2029, a concern deemed a "haunting fear" within the administration.

2. Drop Gaza Investigations: Drop the investigations targeting Israeli leaders regarding the Gaza war, which led to the ICC issuing arrest warrants for PM Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (along with Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri).

3. End Afghanistan Probe: Formally close the previous investigation opened in 2020 concerning potential US troop involvement in violations in Afghanistan.

US Threats and Legal Challenges:

• Broad Sanctions: The official warned that ignoring the demands could lead Washington to impose additional sanctions on more ICC officials, and possibly on the Court as an entity, potentially impacting its daily operations and staff payments.

• Difficulty of Amendment: Observers note that amending the Statute is difficult and slow, requiring the support of two-thirds of the member states (125 member states). Any fundamental change to the Court's jurisdiction requires an even greater majority.

• ICC Position: The Court's Public Affairs Unit stated that "amending the Statute is the prerogative of the States Parties," without addressing the request for Trump's immunity directly.