Lawmakers across parties criticize Pentagon broadcast plan
President Donald Trump said Saturday he is still deciding whether to livestream the execution of former Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, scheduled for Dec. 3 in the first U.S. military firing-squad execution since 1945. Hasan’s execution stems from the 2009 slaying of 13 people at Fort Hood.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday the execution would be livestreamed. The announcement drew criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday that he was weighing two options.
“There are two thoughts: don’t show it and show it,” Trump said. “Cause you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did.”
He said he knew what the military would like to do but would make the decision ultimately.
A day earlier, Vice President JD Vance said he was “not going to be watching” the execution and cast doubt on the plan.
“I don’t know that’s actually going to happen,” Vance told reporters.
Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., said in a statement on X that he supported the sentence but opposed broadcasting the execution.
“I absolutely support the sentence of death, but live-streaming executions is what jihadists do,” Scott said. “America is better than that.”
Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-Pa., said an execution should not be a live-streamed spectacle.
“The focus should be on justice for the victims and their families, not turning an execution into entertainment,” Bresnahan said. “Their pain deserves respect, not a public show.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said livestreaming an execution is not a demonstration of strength.
“It is a barbaric spectacle that jeopardizes our national security, core values, and global standing,” Hirono said.
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., said the United States should not follow the example of countries that broadcast executions.
“We are not Iran or North Korea,” Houlahan said. “We know that justice is not entertainment, nor is it the glorification of violence.”
She urged Hegseth to reconsider the decision “and to treat justice for this heinous act with the seriousness it requires.”