Marco Rubio criticizes International Criminal Court and weaponization of international law

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the International Criminal Court on November 14, 2026, during a speech at the Federalist Society National Lawyers Convention. Rubio characterized international law as a non-neutral tool used by global elites to advance their own interests. This address marks the first major speech by the Secretary of State following losses for the Republican Party in midterm elections held earlier in November 2026.

Criticism of international law

During his address, Marco Rubio warned the Hague-based International Criminal Court against "quoting laws to men with swords." He accused the court of attempting to enforce rules that the United States does not recognize. Marco Rubio claimed that international law has been invoked against nearly every major foreign policy decision made by the Trump administration. These decisions include actions such as Caribbean boat strikes and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

The Secretary of State further argued that the court is accountable to no one. He stated that the court has the power to investigate, prosecute, persecute, and jail US citizens based on laws that the United States neither consents to nor controls. This speech comes approximately one month after the United States announced new sanctions intended to cripple the operations of the International Criminal Court.

Status of the Rome Statute

The United States has signed the Rome Statute but has not ratified the treaty. Because the United States is not a member, it remains outside the jurisdiction of the court. Other major global powers, including Israel, Russia, and China, are also not members of the International Criminal Court. The court functions as a court of last resort to prosecute individuals for grave atrocities when national legal systems fail to ensure accountability.

Tension with the court

The United States has vowed to dismantle the International Criminal Court. This decision follows the issuance of an arrest warrant by the court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding alleged crimes in Gaza. The tension between Washington and the Hague highlights a significant rift regarding the authority of international judicial bodies over sovereign nations.

Glossary

• International Criminal Court — The International Criminal Court is a judicial body that functions as a court of last resort to prosecute individuals for grave atrocities when national legal systems fail to ensure accountability. It is based in The Hague.
• Rome Statute — The Rome Statute is a treaty that governs the International Criminal Court. The United States has signed the statute but has not ratified it.
• The Hague — The Hague is a location that serves as the base for the International Criminal Court.
• court of last resort — A court of last resort is a judicial body that prosecutes individuals for grave atrocities when national legal systems fail to ensure accountability.