United States Representative Ilhan Omar has introduced a resolution calling on the US to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) by ratifying the Rome Statute, the court’s founding document. The resolution was announced on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, as a response to recent moves by the Trump administration to weaken the ICC.

This push comes days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to "dismantle the ICC — brick by brick, if necessary," using "all the tools at our government’s disposal." The State Department also announced a "whole-of-government response" aimed at systematically disabling the court.

Omar criticized these efforts, stating, “If we truly believe in human rights and the rule of law, we should strengthen international justice — not undermine it. The United States should lead by example and show that no one is above the law.”

The Trump administration first sanctioned ICC officials in 2020 over the court’s investigation into Afghanistan, though these sanctions were later lifted by former President Joe Biden.

The ICC judges have responded to the sanctions by suing Trump, calling the measures unlawful. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has renewed pressure on the ICC, vowing to disable the institution.

Sources