Rubio Criticises ICC, Defends Trump's Approach to US Foreign Policy
By Global Leaders Insights Team | Nov 14, 2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticised the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying that international law should not limit the United States from protecting its national interests.
Speaking at the Federalist Society's National Lawyers Convention in Washington on November 13, Rubio questioned the role of international institutions and accused them of interfering with national sovereignty and the decisions of elected governments.
His comments reflect the Trump administration's continued opposition to the ICC and its authority to investigate actions involving American personnel and officials from allied countries. Rubio also defended the administration's US foreign policy decisions, including its actions involving Venezuela and alleged drug-smuggling boats. He said the United States would not accept attempts by the court to exercise authority over American citizens or officials.
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Rubio questions ICC's authority over US officials
During his speech, Rubio said the United States would not accept decisions made by international judges or organisations that it believes have no authority over American citizens.
He argued that the American public had never agreed to come under the ICC's jurisdiction and criticised the court for attempting to exercise power over countries that are not its members.
Rubio also warned that the United States would respond strongly if the court tried to enforce its decisions against American citizens. Referring to Roman general Pompey, he said the US response would be: "Stop quoting laws to men with swords."
The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, was established in 2002 to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. It acts when national courts are unable or unwilling to investigate such crimes.
The Trump administration's criticism of the court has increased following its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes in Gaza. The ICC has also investigated alleged crimes involving US military personnel in Afghanistan, although the investigation has been deprioritised.
The United States is not a member of the ICC, while most European Union countries and several NATO members support the court. Washington has previously imposed sanctions on ICC officials as part of its efforts to challenge the institution.
Rubio defends Trump's foreign policy and Iran strategy
Rubio also defended several controversial decisions by the Trump administration, rejecting claims that its actions had violated international law. These included the operation involving Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and strikes against boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that the US government says were involved in drug trafficking.
Speaking about Iran, Rubio said the main objective of the US-Israel military campaign was to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. He described Iran's leadership as expansionist and said its activities in the region posed a serious threat.
He compared Iran with North Korea, saying that although Pyongyang's government had its own problems, its leadership was not trying to expand its influence through military action against neighbouring countries.
Rubio's speech has also attracted attention because of speculation about his political future. It was his first major prepared address since Republicans suffered losses in the November 3 midterm elections. His appearance at the Federalist Society has added to discussions about a possible 2028 presidential campaign.
The conservative legal organisation has previously hosted Republican politicians who later considered running for president. However, Rubio has denied reports that he is preparing to leave his current government positions to launch a presidential campaign.
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His remarks underline the Trump administration's position that the United States should be free to make its own foreign policy decisions without restrictions from international institutions. They also suggest that disagreements between Washington and the ICC are likely to continue.
