11 ICC Officials Sanctioned. Russia Sanctions Eased.
On February 6, 2025, the administration sanctioned ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, freezing his U.S. assets and barring financial transactions with Americans. Secretary Rubio expanded sanctions in three waves through December 2025, targeting 11 ICC officials total, including judges from Slovenia, Benin, Canada, and France.
11 ICC officials sanctioned. Colombia’s president sanctioned. Russia sanctions eased on Lukoil. The U.S. is using economic weapons against international courts while lifting them from adversaries.
A federal judge blocked enforcement of the ICC sanctions. NPR reported that Treasury repeatedly sanctioned prominent foreign officials after they ruled or spoke out against military aggression by the U.S. and its allies.
Colombia Sanctioned. Russia Eased.
In October 2025, Treasury sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his wife, and his son, plus imposed 25% tariffs on Colombian imports after a dispute over deportation flights.
In the opposite direction, Treasury suspended sanctions on Lukoil-branded gas stations outside Russia until at least April 2026. The administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil to contain energy prices during the Iran conflict. The U.S. did not join the UK, EU, and other allies in imposing new Russia sanctions.
Sanctions are a foreign policy tool when they target security threats. They are a political weapon when they target courts and allied leaders while easing pressure on adversaries.