Trump Questions Livestreaming of Nidal Hasan's Execution

<figure><img alt="US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shakes hands with US President Donald Trump onstage during an event at Sparrows Point Shipyard, in Baltimore County, Maryland, US, October 6, 2026." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/6JO2BZJBMRBCVOJH77SOTFE6HU.JPG?auth=8693520aafd74776177262e67ce54483a1b95d61e5465dfbc5fc11052561e87f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4270&amp;height=2402" /><figcaption>Eric Lee/Reuters</figcaption></figure><p>Donald Trump has expressed doubts regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, who was convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. soldiers. Sources reported that Trump has indicated privately that the livestream “might not happen.”</p><p>According to an unnamed source speaking to Axios, Trump did not seem enthusiastic about the livestreaming plan and has been consulting with others for their opinions. He is reportedly concerned about the public viewing of Hasan's execution by firing squad, especially after receiving negative feedback from lawmakers and advisers.</p><p>Hegseth announced last week that Hasan would face execution on December 3, marking the first military execution since 1961, and stated that it would be livestreamed to highlight the consequences of such actions. </p><p>Senator Thom Tillis described the plan as “beyond disgusting,” while Senator John Curtis warned that broadcasting executions could erode societal values. Curtis emphasized that justice should be administered with solemnity and urged reconsideration of the livestreaming plan.</p><p>Initially, Trump supported the idea of a public execution, stating he “absolutely” approved it. However, he later mentioned that he would ultimately decide whether to proceed with the livestream, weighing the potential implications of showing the execution.</p><p>Sources indicated that Trump is considering the humiliation factor for Hasan, who is partially paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair after being shot during his arrest. A military jury sentenced Hasan to death in 2013 after finding him guilty of multiple counts of murder.</p><p>Vice President JD Vance has distanced himself from the execution plan, acknowledging the severity of Hasan's crimes while expressing discomfort with the method of execution being proposed.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comments, and a Pentagon spokesperson declined to provide further information.</p>