This is not the first time officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have faced U.S. sanctions under Donald Trump. Following his return to power for a second term, Trump has once again taken aim at the ICC, reinforcing a hostile stance that began during his first presidency.

Shortly after taking office, Trump signed a sweeping executive order threatening sanctions against anyone involved in ICC investigations. Critics warned that such broad language could obstruct the course of justice—potentially intimidating witnesses or deterring them from testifying.

Trump’s opposition to the ICC dates back to his first term. In 2019, his administration announced visa bans and cancellations for ICC officials involved in investigations of alleged war crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan. In 2020, Trump imposed direct sanctions on Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and ICC official Phakiso Mochochoko.

These punitive measures were later revoked under President Joe Biden, who sought to re-engage with international institutions. However, with Trump back in office, his administration appears poised to reimplement hardline policies against the court, reigniting global concerns about the United States' commitment to international justice.