US President Donald Trump joked that he could one day become a target of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as his administration intensifies its campaign against the global tribunal.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat on Friday, Trump said there was no indication the ICC was pursuing him but added that “it could happen,” drawing laughter from cabinet members.

The remark came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised the Hague-based court, describing it as an illegitimate international organisation. Trump clarified that Rubio’s comments were not meant to defend him but were focused on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is the subject of an ICC arrest warrant issued in 2024.

The Trump administration has recently stepped up pressure on the ICC, announcing plans for new sanctions and urging member countries to withdraw from the court. Washington argues that the tribunal has no authority over the United States or its allies.

Rubio said previous efforts to reform the court had failed, accusing it of ignoring US concerns. He added that several countries had already withdrawn or announced plans to leave the ICC and called on others to follow suit. Chad and Venezuela are among the latest countries to announce their withdrawal.

Founded in 2002 and based in The Hague, the ICC prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious international offences when national authorities are unable or unwilling to act. Neither the United States nor Israel is a member of the treaty that established the court.