Trump drops plan to livestream US soldier’s execution

Former US President Donald Trump has decided not to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the convicted killer of 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. The execution, originally scheduled for December 3, 2026, will still proceed by firing squad but will not be broadcast publicly. Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform, stating that while broadcasting could serve as a deterrent, many people preferred not to witness such violence.

Hasan's immediate families could attend the execution in person if they desired. Trump described Hasan as a "very bad and evil man" and criticized the Obama administration for failing to act on intelligence about the former army psychiatrist before the shooting. The decision to avoid livestreaming follows criticism of the initial plan, with lawmakers and religious leaders opposing the broadcast. The execution was authorized by Trump after the completion of the military appeals process.