US pressures ICC to modify rules to protect Trump from prosecution

(MENAFN) According to reports, the United States is pressuring the International Criminal Court (ICC) to modify its founding statute to prevent any future attempt to prosecute President Donald Trump or senior administration officials. The ICC, established under the Rome Statute in 2002 to try genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, currently counts 125 member states, while major powers such as the U.S., Russia, China, India, and Israel have not ratified the treaty.

Administration sources indicated that Washington is concerned the court could pursue legal action against Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and others after Trump leaves office in 2029. While specific triggers for potential prosecution were not detailed, officials insist the Rome Statute must be amended to explicitly bar ICC jurisdiction over these individuals.

If the ICC refuses to make such changes, U.S. officials have suggested the court could face sanctions, potentially disrupting its operations. Reports noted that future ICC investigations could involve American military operations in the Caribbean and off the Pacific coast of South America, where U.S. forces have carried out strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, reportedly resulting in over 80 deaths.

The ICC has previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The tribunal recognizes Palestine as a member, granting it jurisdiction over alleged crimes in the territory. The Trump administration has consistently provided political and military support to Israel during the conflict.

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