‘ICC Is a Stupid Organisation Run by Lunatics and Crazies,’ Says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Video)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a visit to Manila, saying, 'We are not members of ICC, it's a stupid organisation run by lunatics and crazies.' Rubio reiterated that the United States does not recognise the court's jurisdiction over Americans, reaffirming Washington's longstanding opposition to the ICC.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly criticised the International Criminal Court (ICC) during remarks to reporters in Manila, saying the United States does not recognise the court's authority and describing it as "a stupid organisation run by lunatics and crazies." His comments came during a visit to the Philippines for ASEAN-related meetings and reaffirmed Washington's longstanding position that the ICC has no jurisdiction over US citizens.
Rubio's remarks come amid the Trump administration's broader campaign against the ICC, arguing that the court should not have authority over US political leaders or military personnel because the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the tribunal.
Marco Rubio Calls ICC 'Stupid Organisation Run by Lunatics and Crazies'
VIDEO | Manila, Philippines: "We are not members of ICC, it's a stupid organisation run by lunatics and crazies," says US Secretary of States Marco Rubio.
(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/ehdSPvCUpi
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 23, 2026
Rubio Rejects ICC Jurisdiction Over the US
Speaking to reporters in Manila, Rubio said the United States would not recognise the ICC's authority over Americans. "We are not members of ICC, it's a stupid organisation run by lunatics and crazies."
He added that while other countries are free to join the court, the United States would not become part of it or accept its jurisdiction over American officials or military personnel.
Rubio made the comments while attending ASEAN-related meetings in Manila, where he also held discussions with regional leaders, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The visit focused on regional security, the South China Sea, and broader Indo-Pacific cooperation.
The ICC is an international tribunal established under the Rome Statute to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
The United States is not a member of the ICC and has consistently opposed the court exercising jurisdiction over US nationals. The Trump administration has recently intensified its criticism of the tribunal, with Rubio arguing that it poses a threat to American sovereignty and should not be allowed to prosecute US officials.
Rubio's latest remarks reinforce the administration's position that any attempt by the ICC to exercise jurisdiction over Americans would not be recognised by the United States.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 09:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
