Human Rights Advocates Challenge Trump ICC Sanctions in Court

Two U.S. human rights advocates have filed a lawsuit against President Trump's executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan. The plaintiffs, represented by the ACLU, claim that the order violates their First Amendment rights by prohibiting them from assisting the ICC, which investigates war crimes and other serious international offenses. Trump's February 2025 order bars U.S. citizens from providing services to the ICC under threat of civil and criminal penalties, a move the plaintiffs argue unlawfully suppresses their speech. The lawsuit follows concerns that Trump's order aims to obstruct ICC investigations into potential war crimes involving U.S. and Israeli officials. The ICC and various international bodies have condemned the sanctions, asserting they undermine global justice. This legal challenge marks a significant confrontation regarding U.S. foreign policy and the enforcement of international law.