Presidential Policy Statements on the ICC

Obama Administration

Pre-Inauguration

"Now that it is operational, we are learning more and more about how the ICC functions. The Court has pursued charges only in cases of the most serious and systemic crimes and it is in America’s interests that these most heinous of criminals, like the perpetrators of the genocide in Darfur, are held accountable. These actions are a credit to the cause of justice and deserve full American support and cooperation. Yet the Court is still young, many questions remain unanswered about the ultimate scope of its activities, and it is premature to commit the U.S. to any course of action at this time.

The United States has more troops deployed overseas than any other nation and those forces are bearing a disproportionate share of the burden in the protecting Americans and preserving international security. Maximum protection for our servicemen and women should come with that increased exposure. Therefore, I will consult thoroughly with our military commanders and also examine the track record of the Court before reaching a decision on whether the U.S. should become a State Party to the ICC."

-Barack Obama
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"My administration would continue to cooperate with ongoing ICC investigations in Sudan."

-Barack Obama
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"The United States should ratify the ‘Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court’. The United States should cooperate with ICC investigations in a way that reflects American sovereignty and promotes our national security interests.”

-Barack Obama
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Post-Inauguration

"President Obama is committed to building strong international partnerships to tackle global challenges...The International Criminal Court, which has started its first trial this week, looks to become an important and credible instrument for trying to hold accountable the senior leadership responsible for atrocities committed in the Congo, Uganda, and Darfur."

-U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan E. Rice
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Bush Administration

"American Justice and the International Criminal Court"
John R. Bolton, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control & International Security
American Enterprise Institute, Washington, DC
November 3, 2003 

"The U.S. Government and the International Criminal Court"
Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs
Parliamentarians for Global Action, United Nations, New York
September 12, 2003

"The United States and the International Criminal Court"
John R. Bolton, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control & International Security
Federalist Society,  Washington, DC
November 14, 2002

(Explanation of U.S. position on the ICC)
William J. Haynes II, General Counsel of the Department of Defense
San Francisco World Affairs Council, San Francisco, CA
May 30, 2002

"American Foreign Policy & the International Criminal Court"
Marc Grossman, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, DC
May 6, 2002