Rubio assails international court in speech to conservative legal group
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) in a speech to the Federalist Society, advocating for an 'America First' foreign policy. He defended U.S. actions against international legal constraints and outlined a hardline stance on Iran.
Why it matters
The speech highlights ongoing tensions between U.S. foreign policy objectives and international legal institutions, signaling potential future diplomatic friction.
WASHINGTON Secretary of State Marco Rubio attacked the International Criminal Court in a speech to a conservative legal group on Friday (November 13, 2026), arguing for a muscular foreign policy and against international law restraining U.S. actions. Mr. Rubio’s speech to the Federalist Society in Washington, his first prepared remarks since Republicans were routed in the midterm elections on November 3, heightens speculation over whether he will leave his roles as national security adviser and top U.S. diplomat to run for president in 2028. Mr. Rubio, who has at times sought to provide an intellectual justification for President Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, has firmly denied reports he will soon embark on a presidential campaign, but the Federalist Society is an occasional stop for Republican hopefuls.
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