Venezuela Withdraws from International Criminal Court Amid U.S. Support

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez formally initiated Venezuela's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on July 25, 2026. Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia notified United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of the decision, which follows a December 2025 parliamentary vote to repeal the Rome Statute. Venezuelan officials justified the move by alleging a systemic geographical bias that disproportionately targets Latin American and African nations and claiming the court is heavily politicized.

The United States government welcomed the withdrawal. The U.S. Department of State praised the partnership with the new Venezuelan government to dismantle the ICC, which it characterized as corrupt and lacking legitimacy. President Donald Trump praised Rodriguez's leadership during the transition following the removal of Nicolas Maduro, though he noted that Venezuela is not yet ready for elections.

The ICC stated that the withdrawal takes one year to take effect and does not halt existing investigations into alleged crimes against humanity committed in Venezuela since 2014. This diplomatic shift occurs during a period of instability for the tribunal, following the July 24 dismissal of top prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct allegations and an announced withdrawal by Chad. The U.S. government has urged all remaining member states to leave the Rome Statute, asserting that Maduro is now facing justice in a U.S. court.