RismadarVoice Reporters
October 10, 2026
US President Donald Trump has said he is considering whether to authorise the live broadcast of the planned execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan, who was convicted of killing 13 people during a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in November 2009.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Saturday, Trump said he had not reached a final decision, despite an earlier announcement by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that the execution would be livestreamed.
The president said he was weighing competing arguments about the proposal, including whether publicly broadcasting the execution could discourage similar attacks.
Hasan was sentenced to death by a military court in 2013 for the shooting, which also left more than 20 people injured.
According to the reported military schedule, his execution is planned for December 2026.
The proposed broadcast has generated debate among US political figures, with concerns raised about the implications of making an execution publicly accessible.
Vice President JD Vance reportedly expressed uncertainty about whether the government would proceed with the broadcast, adding that he would not watch it.
Several Republican lawmakers have also opposed the livestream proposal while maintaining their support for the death sentence.
Representative Austin Scott of Georgia argued that broadcasting an execution would be inappropriate, while Representative Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania said the emphasis should remain on justice for the victims and their families.
Representative Tom Barrett of Michigan similarly urged the defence secretary to reconsider the proposal.
Other Republican figures have defended the administration’s position, including Representative Matt Van Epps of Tennessee, who supported accountability but cautioned against children viewing such a broadcast.
Trump also drew attention to comments by Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, who expressed support for the proposal.
The disagreement has raised broader questions about the purpose of capital punishment, public access to executions and the potential consequences of broadcasting such proceedings.
As of the president’s reported remarks, no final decision on livestreaming the execution had been announced.
