Amal Clooney, human rights lawyer and wife of George Clooney, faces a complicated situation in the United States. The current and controversial American president, Donald Trump, has the couple in his sights. Amal's collaboration with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the investigation of war crimes in Gaza has caused diplomatic tensions.
Donald Trump's administration has imposed sanctions that could affect her residence and work in the country. Clooney's wife, of Lebanese origin, holds British nationality but owns and resides in her property in the United States. However, the White House plans to ban her entry into the country.
Amal Clooney, wife of George Clooney raises alarms in the United States
Amal Clooney and George Clooney are on the list of persona non grata of the current president of the United States. Trump has not overlooked Amal's work as a lawyer who has spent a lifetime fighting for human rights. Her latest project is aimed "at evaluating evidence of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel and Gaza."
A very delicate issue for the Trump administration, which doesn't want certain matters with Israel to come to light. Therefore, he has quickly reacted and threatened all lawyers working with the International Criminal Court, including Clooney. The White House is already planning sanctions, including the prohibition of entering the United States.
It all began in 2014, when the actor's partner advised the ICC on the jurisdictional assessment of crimes committed between Israel and Hamas. This advice contributed to the issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In response, Trump signed Executive Order 14203 in February 2020, sanctioning ICC officials and their collaborators.
These sanctions include visa restrictions and asset freezes for those who participated in the ICC investigation. Although Amal was not directly named, her involvement puts her at risk of being affected by these measures.
Amal Clooney and George Clooney could be banned in the United States
The situation is especially delicate for Clooney, who resides in the United States with her husband and children. The possibility of being banned from the country represents a direct threat to her family and professional life. Additionally, it raises questions about the freedom of lawyers to practice in international cases without reprisals.
The decisions made by the Trump administration have raised all alarms. Legal and human rights organizations have expressed their concern over these completely unjustified sanctions.
The wife of George Clooney has been very critical of Donald Trump's policies on various occasions. In previous speeches, she has condemned the President's rhetoric against the press and his proposals that, according to her, violate international human rights. Her firm stance has made her a prominent figure in the defense of civil liberties and an enemy of Trump.
But not only her, the American actor has also been the target of criticism from Melania Trump's husband. The politician called George a "second-rate movie star" and a "failed political expert." Therefore, there is a declared war between the White House and the Clooney couple, who are not willing to be intimidated.
Amal has the support of the American Bar Association, which called the measures an attack on judicial independence. Legal experts point out that these actions are unprecedented and could violate essential principles of international law. They argue that they will not yield to attempts to transform the legal profession into one that rewards those who support the Government "and punishes those who don't."