Trump ICC Boycott Call at UN: 2026 Explained

President Donald Trump used his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 22 September 2026 to renew his call for an international boycott of the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging all 125 member states to withdraw from the tribunal. The Trump ICC boycott appeal lasted only 30 seconds of a nearly 40-minute address, but the hard language underscored Washington's deepening confrontation with the Hague-based court. Trump's remarks came two days after reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters indicated that new US sanctions against the ICC were ready, although no additional measures were announced.

What Is the ICC and Why Does Trump Want a Boycott?

The International Criminal Court is the world's only permanent tribunal that prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. Established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, it currently has 125 states parties. The United States is not a member, along with Russia, China, India, Israel and Iran. Because Americans can still be prosecuted for crimes committed on the territory of a member state, Trump has long argued the court has no jurisdiction over US personnel. For a full breakdown, see this International Criminal Court explained guide.

Trump's UN Speech: 30 Seconds of Hard Words

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Trump told member states: 'We will never allow American soldiers or others to be investigated or to have to participate in show trials by an anti-American tribunal without jurisdiction.' He spent just 30 seconds on the ICC, yet the message was clear. The US president also used the podium to criticize the United Nations itself, praise budget cuts, announce a large military presence in Greenland under the recent US-Denmark-Greenland agreement, and defend the war with Iran while calling for Iran's economic isolation.

What Are the Current US Sanctions Against the ICC?

Washington's existing sanctions target the ICC as an institution as well as individual judges and staff. These measures prevent targeted individuals from using certain American software and bar US-linked companies from doing business with them. The sanctions were imposed in response to the ICC's arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its investigation into US soldiers in Afghanistan.

Key Facts About US ICC Sanctions

• Target the ICC institution and individual judges and staff
• Block access to certain American software and US-linked business
• Triggered by the Netanyahu arrest warrant and Afghanistan probe
• Reported new sanctions were ready but not announced on 22 September

The impact has been severe: US sanctions on ICC judges have left many officials unable to perform basic tasks, and private individuals face restrictions from US-affiliated companies.

Reactions: Netherlands and the International Response

The Netherlands, as host country of the ICC in The Hague, has voiced opposition to the sanctions. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Berendsen said the current measures are not acceptable and pointed to the Netherlands' responsibility as the court's host nation. Berendsen, who is in New York alongside Prime Minister Dick Jetten, stated: 'As expected, the American president lashed out at the International Criminal Court. It remained a call to all members of the court to cancel their membership.' The Dutch government is pursuing quiet diplomacy behind the scenes, and other countries are also lobbying against further sanctions. The fact that Trump did not announce new sanctions in his speech was a provisional relief for the court, but Berendsen noted: 'With Trump, postponement has certainly not meant cancellation in the past.' The Netherlands ICC host country role remains central to this dispute.

Impact and Implications

The renewed Trump ICC boycott push raises questions about the future of international justice. If more countries withdraw, the court's reach could shrink significantly. At the same time, Trump's broader UN speech signaled a US shift away from multilateral institutions.

US vs ICC: Key Differences

FAQ: Trump ICC Boycott and UN Speech

What did Trump say about the ICC at the UN?

Trump urged all ICC member states to withdraw and called the court an 'anti-American tribunal without jurisdiction.'

Did Trump announce new ICC sanctions in his UN speech?

No. Despite reports that new sanctions were ready, Trump only repeated his boycott call and did not announce additional measures.

Why does the US oppose the ICC?

The US is not a member and argues the court has no jurisdiction over American citizens, especially regarding the Netanyahu arrest warrant and the Afghanistan investigation.

How has the Netherlands responded?

As host country of the ICC, the Netherlands has rejected the sanctions and is using quiet diplomacy to protect the court.

How many countries are members of the ICC?

As of 2026, 125 states are parties to the Rome Statute.