Germany’s foreign minister on Wednesday rejected US President Donald Trump’s call for countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, saying Germany would stand by the Hague tribunal.
“It is part of the rules-based order. It is part of the history of our civilization,” Johann Wadephul told public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk.
“It is absolutely clear that we stand by the International Criminal Court.”
Trump on Tuesday opened the UN General Assembly debate in New York by branding the court “an evil group of people,” adding pointedly: “I call on all nations that are members of the ICC to officially resign from this rogue institution immediately.”
“Honestly, I do not understand this appeal on the substance either,” Wadephul continued. “That belongs to the areas where we indeed have to note a regrettable difference with the policy of the American administration.”
Germany’s top diplomat stressed that the ICC is an important institution for protecting international law and human rights and for holding individuals accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“We have seen quite recently how past and present rulings and decisions have addressed atrocities and the gravest violations of international law and human rights in the Western Balkans,” he said.
“We naturally continue to need this judicial mechanism at the international level,” Wadephul added.
The United States is not a member of the court and under Trump, it has stepped up sanctions against the institution and some of its officials.
“Christians are being persecuted across the world. It’s difficult to believe, but it has been happening for a long time.” — U.S. President Donald Trump calls on countries that belong to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to withdraw from the institution.#GhanaNews #Trump pic.twitter.com/qLIpH27Mxy
— Ghana News Guide (@GhanaNewsGuide) September 23, 2026
Washington’s pressure campaign intensified after ICC judges in November 2024 issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Source: Agencies