Washington called on its NATO allies to cut off support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and take steps to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court.
Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, demanded during a closed-door meeting in Brussels in mid-July that NATO members immediately halt all financial assistance to the ICC. A diplomatic document prepared by the U.S. Mission to NATO said Washington would systematically dismantle the ICC's capacity and that allies should withdraw from the Rome Statute.
Washington will monitor its allies' positions
The documents called on NATO allies to examine the threat posed by the ICC and publicly condemn practices by the court that were described as exceeding its jurisdiction. Whitaker also warned that Washington would closely monitor which countries stood with the United States.
U.S. representatives raised the ICC issue in bilateral meetings with their European counterparts during the same period. Most NATO countries, apart from the United States and Türkiye, are parties to the Rome Statute.
France and the Netherlands support the ICC
European diplomats strongly objected to the request for allies to withdraw from the court. One diplomat described the request as highly surprising, while another official called the initiative disappointing.
The French delegation reiterated its country's unwavering support for the ICC. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen also said that his country fully supported the court.
An ICC spokesperson said the court was focused on carrying out its duties impartially and independently in accordance with the Rome Statute. The spokesperson said the court's work would continue despite efforts to obstruct its activities.
U.S. sanctions targeting the ICC
The diplomatic appeal came as the United States intensified its actions against the ICC. A presidential executive order issued in February 2025 declared a national emergency, citing the court's proceedings involving the United States and Israel.
Washington later imposed sanctions on several court officials, including ICC President Tomoko Akane. Nine of the ICC's 18 judges were also placed under sanctions.
Since 2024, the ICC has been seeking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations that they committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
