The ICC has authorized an investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Afghanistan by the United States armed forces, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Taliban.
Trump signed an executive order Thursday to target officials directly involved in the investigation.
"As part of President Donald J. Trump's firm commitment to protect the U.S. military and defend our national sovereignty, the President has authorized economic sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court who are directly engaged in any effort to investigate or prosecute United States personnel without the consent of the United States, "White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement." The president also authorized the extension of visa restrictions officials of the International Criminal Court and members of their families. "
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said economic sanctions would be determined on a case-by-case basis. He also said that visa restrictions would include family members of the officials concerned.
"It gives us no joy to punish them, but we cannot allow ICC officials and their families to come to the United States to shop, travel and otherwise enjoy American freedoms while these same officials are seeking to prosecute the defender of these same freedoms, "Pompeo told the State Department on Thursday.
The United States is not a party to the criminal court, and the Trump administration has repeatedly chastised the Hague-based institution. He has already taken steps to dissuade the Afghanistan investigation, including revoking the attorney general's entry visa last April.
CNN asked the ICC to comment.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
