Rob Jetten used his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday to demand absolute protection for the International Criminal Court, declaring “Hands off the ICC.” While Jetten did not explicitly name the United States or President Trump in his speech, his remarks followed sharp criticism of the Hague-based tribunal from Washington.
US Response and Diplomatic Tensions Over the Hague Tribunal
The diplomatic friction intensified just a day prior when President Trump labeled the International Criminal Court a “rogue organization” and “a wicked group of people.” US Ambassador to the Netherlands Joe Popolo responded on X by stating that the United States is willing to support the court “as long as the court keeps its hands off the US.” Popolo also characterized the tribunal as a politicized institution, adding that American troops who “guard Europe as part of a security commitment of more than 80 years” should not be subjected to its jurisdiction.
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Washington has long criticized the court over arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The Trump administration opposes an ICC investigation into the actions of American military personnel and CIA operatives in Afghanistan. Marco Rubio recently stated in an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal that the United States would dismantle the court “stone by stone” if necessary.
Did You Know? The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court and has established federal legislation dictating that American nationals cannot be extradited to the Hague-based tribunal.
Sanctions and Legislative Protections Against ICC Investigations
The United States government has taken concrete legislative and financial measures to counter the tribunal’s reach. In early 2025, the Trump administration instituted formal sanctions against the ICC, implementing financial penalties and visa restrictions targeting individuals who assist the court with investigations into American personnel. American officials have consistently urged other nations to distance themselves from the institution.
Despite these mounting pressures, Rob Jetten defended the tribunal during his UN address, questioning how anyone could oppose the prosecution of the world’s most severe crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rob Jetten say about the International Criminal Court?
During the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, Rob Jetten stated “Hands off the ICC” and argued that the court must be protected, asking how anyone could oppose the prosecution of the worst crimes.
How has the United States government responded to the ICC?
President Trump labeled the court a “rogue organization” and “a wicked group of people,” while Marco Rubio wrote that the US would dismantle the court “stone by stone.” In early 2025, the Trump administration enacted financial penalties and visa restrictions against individuals helping the ICC investigate Americans.
What is the official stance of the US regarding its citizens and the tribunal?
The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court and maintains laws preventing the extradition of American nationals to the court. US Ambassador to the Netherlands Joe Popolo stated on X that Washington is willing to engage as long as the court keeps its hands off the US.
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