'Jack Smith used to work there': Marco Rubio attacks ICC as 'illegitimate'

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked Jack Smith's past role at the International Criminal Court (ICC) while defending the Trump administration's campaign against what he called the court's "illegitimate" authority.

Rubio argued the issue extends beyond Israeli leaders and warned that American troops could also be targeted.

President Donald Trump interjected that Rubio was "not trying to defend me," saying the concern was about others, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Marco Rubio links Jack Smith to ICC criticism

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, July 31, Rubio said the International Criminal Court had undermined its own legitimacy by claiming authority over countries that are not members.

"The first is the International Criminal Court is an illegitimate international organization," Rubio said. "They make themselves illegitimate because they claim that even if you're not a member of that court, they can come after you."

He argued that such authority could eventually affect Americans, adding, "What that literally means in the future is that American servicemen, political leaders, and others could find themselves under indictment by this International Criminal Court."

Rubio then referenced former special counsel Jack Smith, saying, "If you want to know a little bit about it, Jack Smith used to work there. These are the people that think they can go out and basically indict any world leader and haul them into The Hague."

He said the administration had first attempted to persuade the court to change course but claimed those efforts failed. "We've begun an effort to really try to bring that court to heel," Rubio said.

Trump says concern goes beyond him

As Rubio spoke, Trump interrupted to distance the discussion from his own legal exposure.

"Just keep talking about it," Trump said before adding, "I'm saying that means that he's not trying to defend me. He is trying to defend Bibi and various other people."

Trump also said, "There is no indication that I'm one of them at this moment."

Marco Rubio says administration has gained international support

Rubio responded by arguing that US military personnel faced the greater long-term risk. "I actually think the people who are in biggest danger in our system are servicemen, people in uniform," he said.

"They'll try to grab for the rest of their lives. Will not be able to travel anywhere in the world with their families because they can be arrested," Rubio continued. "Imagine you're a soldier and you fought in a war, and 20 years later they try to come grab you."

Rubio said the administration had begun building international support for its position, claiming, "Since we started two weeks ago, five countries have already quit the ICC and notified them that they're leaving, and we think there'll be more."