President Trump overturned a Pentagon plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, a U.S. Army major convicted of a 2009 shooting spree at Fort Hood, after bipartisan backlash. The execution, scheduled for December 3, was initially set to be public but was canceled following criticism from both parties over potential radicalization risks.
The decision followed a broadcast by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announcing the execution would be live-streamed, prompting criticism from Republicans and Democrats. Trump, in a social media post, stated the event would not be streamed, allowing families of victims to view it if they chose.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed Trump and Hegseth were aligned on the decision, with Hegseth supporting the president's choice. The move comes amid concerns that livestreaming could be used by extremists for recruitment and radicalization.
Both parties expressed relief over the cancellation, with Republicans and Democrats criticizing the initial plan. The decision highlights ongoing tensions within the Trump administration and the Pentagon over transparency and national security concerns.