Trump Calls ICC “Evil” and “Anti-American” Amid Netanyahu Warrant, Duterte Arrest

Trump Calls ICC “Evil” and “Anti-American” Amid Netanyahu Warrant, Duterte Arrest

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | September 23, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a fiery address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on the International Criminal Court (ICC), labeling it an “evil group of people” and a “rogue institution.” He urged all member nations to immediately withdraw, signaling a deepening conflict between the United States and the international tribunal.

Trump declared, “We will never allow U.S. service members or anyone else to be investigated or given show trials by an anti-American tribunal with no jurisdiction over us.” This assertion underscores his administration’s consistent disdain for the court, which prosecutes war crimes and genocide globally, and follows previous U.S. sanctions against the ICC in February 2025.

Trump’s latest condemnation comes as reports indicate impending new U.S. sanctions against the ICC. This move follows the tribunal’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a key Trump ally. U.S. officials suggest that further punitive measures against the court could be finalized shortly after the General Assembly, which Netanyahu is also slated to attend.

In November 2024, the ICC charged Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, with committing war crimes against Palestinians in Gaza. Accusations include “starvation as a method of warfare” and “intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population” following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Netanyahu faces additional charges of “crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.” Netanyahu vehemently denies these claims, labeling them “antisemitic.” The U.S., not an ICC member, is not legally bound to enforce the warrant.

During his UN address, Trump also reiterated his commitment to supporting Israel in its conflict with Iran. He delivered a stark declaration regarding a potential peace deal after the upcoming November midterm elections: “Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before? Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?” The Iranian delegation reportedly walked out of the assembly following these threats. Trump’s statements follow a UN fact-finding mission report less than a week prior, indicating reasonable grounds to believe U.S. forces committed war crimes in two strikes on Iran, including one that hit a primary school.

While the ICC’s warrant against Netanyahu has yet to lead to an arrest, the Palestinian population has endured immense suffering, with millions of children facing starvation and death. Millions of displaced Palestinian asylum seekers continue to struggle for survival in foreign nations.

ICC’s Reach Extends to Former Philippine President Duterte

The Philippines officially withdrew from the International Criminal Court on March 17, 2018, with the government of then-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte notifying the United Nations Secretary-General of its intent to withdraw from the Rome Statute. The withdrawal took effect one year later, on March 17, 2019.

Despite the country’s exit, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed in the Philippines while it was a state party, specifically from November 1, 2011, until March 16, 2019. This ongoing jurisdiction applies to proceedings regarding Duterte’s “war on drugs.”

On February 10, 2025, the ICC Prosecutor applied for an arrest warrant against Mr. Duterte. Following the issuance of this warrant by the ICC on March 7, 2025, during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Duterte was arrested by the Philippine National Police and Interpol at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11, 2025, immediately upon his arrival from Hong Kong. Hours later, he was placed on a chartered flight out of Manila, landing in the Netherlands and formally transferred to the ICC Detention Centre in Scheveningen on March 12, 2025.

The tribunal’s Pre-Trial Chamber issued the warrant for crimes against humanity—specifically murder, torture, and rape—allegedly committed during his administration’s controversial “war on drugs” and his tenure as mayor of Davao City. Millions of Filipinos believe these charges are fabricated and baseless.

Duterte has remained in detention in the Netherlands since his transfer. Following the formal confirmation of all charges in early 2026, his trial is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026.

Allegations have emerged that ICC prosecutors received millions in bribes from kleptocrats who allegedly weaponized the ICC against political opponents. These opponents reportedly criticized the Marcos Jr. administration for systemic corruption, including trillions in kickbacks funneled from flood control ghost projects.