BERLIN, September 24, 2026 (WAFA) – German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced his rejection of US President Donald Trump’s call for nations to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), reaffirming his country's continued support for the Hague-based tribunal.

Speaking to the official media network Deutschlandfunk, Wadephul said: "This is part of the rules-based order and part of the history of our civilization. Our stance of standing with the International Criminal Court is absolutely clear."

The German minister expressed bewilderment at the US President's call for withdrawal, adding: "We certainly will not do that. Frankly, I do not understand the substance of this call. This is one of the areas where, unfortunately and regrettably, we disagree with the US administration's policy."

Wadephul emphasized the importance of the ICC as a key element in upholding international law and human rights, and in holding perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable.

He continued: "We have recently seen how the atrocities committed in the Western Balkans—and the gravest violations of international law and human rights—have been addressed through past and present rulings and decisions. Naturally, we still need this judicial mechanism at the international level."

During his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, President Trump had described the Court as a "group of people with bad intentions," calling on all member states to "withdraw immediately and formally from this rogue institution."

K.T