Former President Donald Trump's executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) has drawn both praise and condemnation. Supporters argue it's a necessary measure to shield American and Israeli officials from what they perceive as politically motivated prosecutions by a flawed international body. Critics, however, contend that the sanctions undermine the court's independence and its mission to hold perpetrators of serious international crimes accountable.

Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and former Trump National Security Council official, views the executive order as a crucial step in protecting US personnel from what he terms "lawfare" waged by the ICC. He expressed concern that the ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan could set a precedent for future actions against Americans. Goldberg also suggested the sanctions could escalate if the ICC doesn't cease its investigations.

The ICC, in response, condemned the sanctions, asserting they impede its independent judicial work. The court vowed to continue its mission of delivering justice to victims of atrocities worldwide. It called upon its member states and the international community to uphold justice and human rights.

The executive order was signed in response to the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Netanyahu lauded Trump's action, thanking him for defending both the US and Israel from what he described as a "corrupt court." He argued that the ICC's pursuit of Israel served as a "trial run" for potential actions against America.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto echoed this sentiment, calling the sanctions "absolutely understandable" and labeling the ICC a "biased political tool." Hungary is currently reviewing its cooperation with the court.

Despite these endorsements, nearly 80 countries issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for the ICC's independence and integrity. They emphasized the court's essential role in ensuring accountability for grave international crimes. While representing a substantial portion of the ICC's membership, several countries, including Australia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy, did not join the statement.

Goldberg further noted that Trump's executive order followed Senate Democrats' blocking of a Republican bill aimed at sanctioning the ICC. He suggested that if Senate Democrats now express support for the executive order, Senate Republicans should swiftly codify it into law.