UNITED NATIONS — U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on every nation belonging to the International Criminal Court to resign from the institution at once, denouncing it as an “out of control” and “rogue” body during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Speaking before world leaders in New York, Trump declared that the United States would never permit its military service members—or anyone else—to face what he described as “show trials” by an “anti-American tribunal” lacking jurisdiction over the United States.
“I call on all nations that are members of the ICC to officially resign from this rogue institution immediately,” Trump said. He further labeled the court an “evil group of people.”
Trump also highlighted the persecution of Christians globally, stating: “Christians are being persecuted all over the world. It’s not even believable.” He criticized United Nations human rights officials for focusing on U.S. domestic policies, including protections against what he called “transgender mutilation” of children and immigration enforcement, while allegedly neglecting genuine atrocities elsewhere.
The remarks form part of the Trump administration’s sustained campaign against the ICC, the Hague-based tribunal established under the 1998 Rome Statute to prosecute genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The United States is not a party to the statute and has never accepted the court’s jurisdiction. Israel, Russia, and China are also non-members.
Washington has previously imposed sanctions on ICC officials, particularly after the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in connection with the Gaza conflict.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly vowed to dismantle the ICC “brick by brick,” describing it as an intolerable threat to U.S. sovereignty. Several countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Venezuela, have announced withdrawals or plans to leave in recent periods amid U.S. pressure.
Trump’s speech drew sharp international attention. Some delegations reacted with silence or walkouts on other portions of his remarks. The ICC itself has not immediately issued a formal response to the latest call for mass resignations.
The president’s comments underscore longstanding U.S. objections to the court’s authority over non-member states and its investigations involving American or allied personnel. Supporters of the ICC maintain it serves as a court of last resort for the world’s most serious crimes when national systems fail. Critics, including the current U.S. administration, argue it engages in selective justice and overreach.
Trump’s address covered additional foreign policy themes, but the direct challenge to the ICC stood out as one of the sharpest institutional rebukes delivered from the UN podium in recent years.
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