By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
United States President Donald Trump has called on all countries that are members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to withdraw from the institution, accusing it of acting beyond its jurisdiction and targeting U.S. personnel.
Trump made the call on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The U.S. president described the ICC as an “out-of-control institution” and said the United States would not allow its service members or others to face what he called “show trials” before what he described as an anti-American tribunal.
“I call on all nations that are members of the ICC to officially resign from this rogue institution immediately,” Trump said.
He also criticised the United Nations’ human rights bodies over their handling of issues he said were affecting Christians around the world.
“The craven hypocrites of Human Rights Council have little to say about the persecution of Christians,” Trump said.
“Christians are being persecuted all over the world. It’s not even believable. I never thought I’d say it, but it’s been happening for a long time.”
Trump linked the issue to what he described as the crimes of repressive regimes and criticised calls for the United States to open its borders to migrants.
He also attacked the UN Human Rights Council over its criticism of U.S. immigration policies and its positions on transgender-related issues.
The ICC, established by the Rome Statute, prosecutes individuals for crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The United States is not a member of the ICC and has never ratified the Rome Statute.
Trump’s call for ICC member states to withdraw was also reported by Reuters following his UN address.
