Trump says US ICC campaign aims to protect Netanyahu

President Donald Trump said on Friday, July 31, 2026, that a U.S. campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court is aimed at protecting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other allies from prosecution, not himself. Trump made the remarks during a statement at Camp David, framing the administration's efforts as a response to what it considers judicial overreach by the international tribunal.

The administration's criticism of the court intensified after it issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes related to the conflict in Gaza. Since that time, the U.S. has significantly expanded its campaign against the ICC. Officials plan to encourage more nations to withdraw from the court while pursuing sanctions and travel restrictions against its personnel.

These measures have faced legal challenges from ICC judges and U.S.-based advocacy groups, which argue the sanctions violate constitutional free speech protections. The administration's stance represents a continued rejection of the court's jurisdiction, which the United States has never joined.

In his comments, Trump explicitly stated the objective was to defend Netanyahu and...