Ilhan Omar pushes US to join ICC as Rubio vows to dismantle court

A resolution was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, formally calling for the United States to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The measure was introduced by Representative John Smith (R‑TX) and passed with a 220‑to‑210 vote. It follows remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, in which he pledged to “dismantle” the ICC, citing concerns over national sovereignty and the court’s perceived bias.

The resolution outlines a three‑step plan: first, it urges the State Department to submit a formal notice of withdrawal to the ICC; second, it directs the Treasury Department to freeze any U.S. funds that may be used to support ICC operations; and third, it calls for a review of all U.S. treaties that reference the ICC to ensure compliance with U.S. law. Rubio’s statement, released through a press briefing, emphasized that the U.S. would no longer accept jurisdiction from the ICC over American personnel and that the administration would seek to protect U.S. interests in international legal forums.

The passage of the resolution signals a tightening of U.S. policy toward the ICC and reflects growing domestic pressure to limit the court’s reach. While the resolution has not yet been signed into law, it sets the stage for a formal withdrawal process that could be completed within the next congressional session.