Donald Trump says he will make the final call on broadcasting the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, amid growing concern among Republican lawmakers over turning the killing into a public spectacle.
Donald Trump has said he is still considering whether to livestream the execution of former US Army Major Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 people and wounded more than 20 others in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting in Texas.
The President said on Saturday that broadcasting the execution could deter others from carrying out similar attacks, but acknowledged there were arguments against making the event public.
Trump weighs deterrence against public scrutiny
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had not reached a final decision, despite previously expressing support for the proposal announced by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The President argued that showing the execution might discourage others from committing similar crimes. He also highlighted the lasting impact of Hasan’s attack on victims and their families.
Trump described Hasan as a “vicious killer” and said some of those wounded would never fully recover their lives.
Hegseth’s livestream plan sparks backlash
Hasan, who was sentenced to death in 2013, is due to be executed by firing squad in December, according to military officials. Hegseth announced on Thursday that the execution would be livestreamed.
The proposal has prompted concerns that broadcasting the killing could turn Hasan into a martyr in the eyes of people seeking to carry out mass violence.
Trump had told reporters on Friday that he “absolutely” approved the plan. His latest comments, however, indicate that the final decision remains with the President.
Republicans warn against execution spectacle
Several Republican lawmakers have voiced reservations about broadcasting the execution, despite supporting the death sentence itself.
Georgia Representative Austin Scott said he backed capital punishment but opposed livestreaming executions, arguing that such broadcasts were associated with jihadist groups.
Pennsylvania Representative Rob Bresnahan also criticised the proposal, saying the focus should remain on justice for the victims and their families rather than turning the execution into entertainment.
Michigan Representative Tom Barrett urged Hegseth to reconsider the decision.
Vance remains unsure about broadcast
Vice President JD Vance said on Friday that he was uncertain whether the federal government would proceed with livestreaming the execution. He added that he would not watch it if the broadcast went ahead.
His comments came as criticism emerged from within Trump’s own party, highlighting divisions over whether the public should be allowed to watch the execution.
Other Republicans defend accountability
Not all Republicans have opposed the proposal. Tennessee Representative Matt Van Epps expressed support for the administration’s focus on accountability, while cautioning parents against allowing children to watch the event.
Van Epps compared the issue with parental guidance over children’s use of social media, arguing that parents should take responsibility for what their children are exposed to.
Earlier on Saturday, Trump also reposted a newspaper article on Truth Social featuring Robert Jeffress, a prominent ally of the President and senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, who expressed support for the proposed public killing.
Trump’s final decision will determine whether the execution is broadcast, as the administration faces competing arguments over deterrence, justice and the consequences of making the event public.