Clash with The Hague escalates: US imposes sanctions on ICC president

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on the president of the International Criminal Court, Tomoko Akane, including asset freezes and financial restrictions. The move aims to intensify the confrontation with the ICC over the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. Three judges filed a lawsuit against the administration, and the court stated that the measures undermine the rule of law.

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on the president of the International Criminal Court, Tomoko Akane, escalating the confrontation with the ICC. The measures include freezing any assets she may hold in the United States and restricting her access to the American financial system. The Treasury Department simultaneously issued a license allowing existing transactions related to her to be completed until September 17. The administration argues that the court exceeds its authority and threatens U.S. sovereignty. Three judges at the court filed a lawsuit against the administration in federal court, claiming the sanctions are unlawful and intended to exert personal pressure on judges. In December 2024, Akane warned that sanctions could undermine the court's ability to operate. The Biden administration lifted similar sanctions in 2021, but Trump has renewed and expanded them. The court has 125 member states, but it has no police force and relies on member states to execute arrest warrants. The court stated that measures against its personnel harm the rule of law.