President Donald Trump’s latest executive order could bar Amal Clooney, the high-profile human rights lawyer married to George Clooney, from entering the United States. The British attorney, known for her work with the International Criminal Court, faces potential sanctions due to her role in a controversial war crimes case. Her Hollywood lifestyle now hangs in the balance as Trump targets ICC officials.
According to Daily Mail, Trump’s Executive Order 14203, signed in February, imposes sanctions on ICC officials, including travel restrictions and financial penalties, for their “illegitimate” charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Amal Clooney, 47, served as a special adviser to ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, who sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders in May 2024. The order explicitly names Khan, a British citizen, and could extend to others like Clooney.
The sanctions stem from the ICC’s investigation into alleged war crimes during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Hague-based court issued warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of violations. Clooney’s involvement in Khan’s probe has put her at risk of being banned from the U.S., where she and George own a home.
Trump’s executive action condemns the ICC’s actions as baseless and anti-Christian, vowing “tangible and significant consequences” for those involved. The UK Foreign Office has reportedly warned Clooney and other British lawyers about potential U.S. sanctions. These measures could disrupt their ability to travel or practice law in America.
Clooney, born in Beirut and a British citizen since age 2, is no stranger to high-stakes legal battles. She has represented victims of genocide and sexual violence, including in landmark cases against ISIS. Her credentials include admission to the New York bar in 2002 and the Legal 500 Award for international lawyer of the year in 2024.
Her past clients include WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his extradition fight. Clooney’s work often focuses on protecting civilians in conflict zones, a principle she defended in a May 2024 statement. “I believe in the rule of law and the need to protect civilian lives,” she said, addressing her role in the ICC case.
Clooney’s involvement in the ICC case has drawn scrutiny from some quarters. Social media critics, including a TikTok user, compared her to DJ Khaled for allegedly staying silent on Palestinian issues despite her heritage. Her mother is of Palestinian ancestry, and her father is Lebanese.
Another critic, known as MillennialRox, accused Clooney of prioritizing her Hollywood lifestyle over Gaza’s atrocities. The same critic noted Clooney’s vocal condemnation of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. These accusations suggest a selective focus in her activism, according to detractors.
In response to critics, Clooney defended her ICC role in May 2024, emphasizing the universal application of war crime laws. “The law that protects civilians in war was developed more than 100 years ago,” she wrote. She insisted her work transcends personal or political affiliations.
The ICC, based in The Hague, investigates war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Khan’s warrants targeted not only Netanyahu but also Hamas leaders, some of whom have since been killed. If Netanyahu visits ICC member states like France or the UK, he risks arrest.
Trump’s sanctions aim to shield Netanyahu and counter what he sees as the ICC’s overreach. The executive order reflects a broader push to protect allies from international legal challenges. Clooney’s advisory role in the investigation has placed her directly in the crosshairs of this policy.
The Financial Times reported last week that UK lawyers, including Clooney, were cautioned about potential U.S. sanctions. These warnings highlight the growing tension between international law and national sovereignty. The U.S. is not an ICC member, giving Trump leverage to act unilaterally.
A U.S. ban would disrupt Clooney’s ability to practice law in New York, where she is licensed. It could also affect her personal life, given the Clooneys’ U.S. residence. Representatives for Amal and George Clooney have been contacted for comment, but no response has been reported.
Clooney’s career has long balanced high-profile advocacy with her Hollywood ties. Her work on genocide cases and human rights trials has earned global respect. Yet, the current controversy underscores the risks of challenging powerful political figures.
As Trump’s sanctions loom, the debate over the ICC’s role in global conflicts intensifies. Clooney’s fate remains uncertain, caught between her commitment to justice and the realities of geopolitical retaliation. The outcome will test the limits of international law in an era of resurgent nationalism.
