Trump: Dismantling the ICC is 'only' about protecting Netanyahu
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Trump reportedly contradicted Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s public justification for US actions against the ICC during a televised Cabinet meeting.
- The exchange focused on whether the campaign against the court is aimed at protecting US personnel or shielding foreign allies, including ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US President Donald Trump appeared to contradict Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s stated justification for Washington’s campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the effort was focused on protecting ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other foreign allies rather than US personnel, according to footage and reports of the exchange.
For weeks, Rubio has defended the administration’s actions against the ICC, arguing that the court poses a threat to US sovereignty and could target American officials, military personnel and others.
During a televised Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Rubio discussed the administration’s efforts against the tribunal before Trump interrupted, saying the measures were not aimed at defending him personally.
"He is not trying to defend me. He’s trying to defend Bibi and various other people," Trump said, referring to Netanyahu.
The remarks appeared to challenge the broader argument presented by the State Department that US actions against the ICC were primarily about protecting American citizens from what it considers an illegitimate court.
The Trump administration has taken steps against the ICC over its investigations and actions involving US allies. Rubio has described the court as a threat to national sovereignty, while critics argue that Washington’s pressure campaign undermines international accountability mechanisms.
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other officials over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the war in Gaza, which they reject.
The reported exchange has fueled debate in Washington over the administration’s stated reasons for targeting the court and the role of US foreign policy in protecting close allies.
