The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on two senior officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC), including its sitting president, as part of a broader campaign to weaken the institution. The move follows the ICC's investigations into alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan and its probe into Israel's conduct in Gaza, actions Washington views as an overreach of the court's jurisdiction and a threat to American sovereignty.

The sanctions were framed by officials as a response to what they described as "abuses of power" by the ICC. The administration, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio playing a leading role, has signalled its intent to dismantle the court's influence, arguing it lacks legitimate authority over the United States and its allies, including Israel.