A judge blocked Trump’s order targeting those who work with the ICC, calling it an unconstitutional limit on free speech.

A judge blocked Trump’s order targeting those who work with the ICC, calling it an unconstitutional limit on free speech.

A federal judge in the United States has blocked the enforcement of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which targeted individuals working with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ruling, made by U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen, was based on a lawsuit filed by two human rights advocates who argued that the order infringed upon free speech [1].

The executive order, signed on February 6, 2025, imposed sanctions on ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and others involved in investigations of U.S. citizens or U.S. allies, such as Israel. The order authorized economic and travel sanctions, as well as civil and criminal penalties for U.S. citizens providing services to the ICC [1].

Judge Torresen's decision came after a hearing on the lawsuit, which argued that the executive order was an unconstitutional infringement on free speech. The judge wrote that the order "appears to restrict substantially more speech than necessary to further that end" and that it "broadly prohibits any speech-based services that benefit the prosecutor, regardless of whether those beneficial services relate to an ICC investigation of the United States, Israel, or another U.S. ally" [1].

The White House and the ICC have not yet responded to requests for comment. The ruling is significant as it challenges the executive branch's authority to impose sanctions on international organizations and their officials [1].

Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to face challenges, with recent data showing that factory-gate prices held steady in June, surprising economists [2]. Additionally, the Federal Reserve's independence has been a topic of debate, with reports suggesting that President Trump is considering firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell [2].

References:
[1] https://ca.news.yahoo.com/federal-judge-blocks-enforcement-trumps-030030743.html
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/trump-denies-he-is-planning-to-attempt-to-fire-powell-ce7c5cd9dd8ff12d