Ilhan Omar renews push for US to join ICC amid Trump pressure

United States Representative Ilhan Omar has introduced a legislative resolution that calls for the country to join the International Criminal Court through ratification of the Rome Statute, the tribunal's founding document. The move represents a direct challenge to the Trump administration's stated position on the institution. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently pledged to dismantle the ICC, stating the administration would use all available government tools to weaken the court.

Omar's resolution also seeks to pressure the administration to lift sanctions and visa restrictions it has imposed on ICC officials. In her statement, Omar, a former child refugee from Somalia, argued that joining the court would strengthen international justice and the rule of law globally. She stated that if the United States truly believes in human rights and the rule of law, it should strengthen international justice rather than undermine it.

The Trump administration has taken a confrontational stance toward the ICC, particularly over its investigations into US and Israeli personnel. Neither the United States nor Israel has signed the Rome Statute or recognizes the court's authority. However, both nations have faced accusations of human rights abuses in ICC member states. The court has investigated Israel regarding alleged war crimes in Gaza, issuing arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024.

The administration has announced a comprehensive government response aimed at weakening the court. According to the State Department, the approach includes appealing to US military and law enforcement partners to reject the ICC's authority to prosecute American officials and servicemen. Multiple ICC prosecutors, judges, and human rights organizations that have provided evidence to the court have faced sanctions over the past year.