Jetten’s UN Warning to Trump: Hands Off the ICC — What It Means for The Hague

When Prime Minister Rob Jetten took the podium at the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, he didn’t mince words: “Hands off the ICC and all those other institutions that protect the international legal order.” The message was directed squarely at the Trump administration, which has been escalating its campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

Jetten’s first address to the UN came after a week of mounting tensions. Reports from the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and the Associated Press indicated that Washington is planning to sanction the ICC as an institution — a significant escalation after already imposing sanctions on 13 court staff members, including ICC President Tomoko Akane DutchNews.nl, Sept 22. The US has described its goal as dismantling the court “brick by brick.”

The Netherlands, as host state of the ICC in The Hague, is in a delicate position. It is legally obligated to assist the court with security, visas, and transportation for defendants and witnesses. If the US follows through on its threat, Dutch institutions and businesses that cooperate with the ICC could face legal risks under American law.

Jetten’s diplomatic push

Before his UN speech, Jetten met with journalists in New York on September 24 and issued a direct warning to President Trump: “Don’t do it. Do not further jeopardize the relationship between Europe and the US by imposing new sanctions on the ICC” DutchNews.nl, Sept 24. He said the Netherlands was “pulling out all of the diplomatic stops” to prevent further escalation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen was also in New York for the UN meetings, with an agenda that included discussions on the ICC and the war in Ukraine. In a letter to parliament earlier this month, Berendsen said Dutch efforts had so far allowed the court “to continue the vast majority of its operations unimpeded.” But opposition parties are not convinced. Kati Piri of the opposition Pro party told public broadcaster NOS that the cabinet has adopted a “super weak” stance.

What this means for The Hague — and for you

For expats and internationals living in the Netherlands, the ICC is more than a distant institution. It is a major employer in The Hague, part of the city’s identity as a hub for international justice, and a symbol of the rules-based order that many residents value. If the US sanctions the ICC as a whole, the court’s ability to carry out investigations and trials could be severely hampered. Staff — many of whom are internationals themselves — could face travel bans or asset freezes.

The Dutch government is walking a tightrope: it must uphold its obligations to the ICC while managing its relationship with a key ally. Jetten’s strong words at the UN signal that the Netherlands is willing to push back, but the real test will come if the sanctions are actually imposed. The European Union has yet to announce a coordinated response, though diplomats in Brussels have expressed support for the ICC.

The broader picture

Jetten also used his UN speech to call for accountability for Russia’s war in Ukraine, saying “Ukraine has no choice but to defend itself” while “Russia chooses to wage war day after day.” The two issues — Ukraine and the ICC — are linked in the Dutch government’s foreign policy: both are about upholding international law DutchNews.nl, Sept 25.

For now, the ball is in Washington’s court. The Trump administration has not yet announced whether it will sanction the ICC as a whole, but the threat remains. The Netherlands will continue its diplomatic efforts, but as Jetten’s speech made clear, the Dutch are prepared to defend the court publicly.

What to watch

• Will the US actually sanction the ICC as an institution? The reporting suggests it is under serious consideration.
• How will the Netherlands and the EU respond? Possible countermeasures could include blocking US sanctions or providing financial support to the ICC.
• What happens to the ICC’s investigations, including into Gaza and Ukraine? Sanctions could force the court to scale back its work.

For now, residents of The Hague can take some reassurance that their government is speaking out — but the real fight may be just beginning.