US President Donald Trump has officially reversed course on a controversial plan, calling off the scheduled livestream of the upcoming execution of former US army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan. The decision comes in the wake of sharp domestic and international pushback against the Pentagon’s initial proposal to broadcast the lethal event online.
The Reversal on Truth Social
The decision to halt the public broadcast was announced on Truth Social. While Trump maintained that streaming the event could have served as a strong global deterrent against terrorism, he noted that numerous well-meaning individuals expressed a preference not to watch the death take place. Consequently, the execution will proceed behind closed doors as originally scheduled, without the digital feed.
Hasan was convicted for a 2009 shooting rampage at a military base in Texas, where he fatally shot 13 unarmed military personnel and left 32 others injured in a crowded medical building. The upcoming lethal procedure, slated for December 3, 2026, will mark the first military execution carried out in over six decades.
Global Backlash and Legal Objections
The Pentagon’s initial announcement last week to air the event online drew immediate condemnation from various human rights organizations and international bodies, with the United Nations explicitly labeling the proposal abhorrent. Prominent military figures also voiced strong opposition, including 72 former US generals who signed a letter warning that a public livestream would tarnish the honor of the armed forces and the nation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously defended the online broadcast, arguing that visible consequences were necessary for severe actions. However, legal representatives for the inmate pointed out potential regulatory conflicts within military guidelines. Civil attorney John Galligan noted that Hasan is paralyzed from the chest down, arguing that the initial plan created unnecessary complications for the military justice system.
Next Steps for the 2009 Case
Despite the cancellation of the public broadcast, victims’ families retain the option to observe the proceeding in person. Under military law, executions require both presidential authorization and a thorough appellate review by a higher court to confirm legality before moving forward. With the livestream component removed, the legal and logistical preparations continue toward the scheduled date.