President Donald Trump has reversed a decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to livestream the execution of former US Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, who is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3. Hasan was convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting in Texas, in which he killed 13 people and injured 32 others.

Trump announced on his social media platform that the execution would not be broadcast publicly, citing concerns over the public sensitivities around witnessing a death sentence. While Trump acknowledged that streaming the execution could serve as a deterrent and demonstrate how the United States deals with “terrorists and scum like Hasan,” he emphasized that many people would prefer not to watch the event. He said the execution would proceed as scheduled and would be available for viewing in person only to the immediate families of the victims if they choose.

The decision to livestream had been announced by Hegseth a week prior, who stated the event would be publicly accessible, a move that sparked significant backlash from across the political spectrum, military leaders, and religious figures. Hegseth had committed to making the execution public through livestreaming and continued to promote the event on social media despite mounting criticism.

Several prominent Republicans expressed opposition to the livestream plan. Vice President JD Vance said he would not watch the broadcast, expressing doubts about whether it would go ahead. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson also indicated he would not view the livestream, citing concerns that such footage could serve as a recruiting tool for future terrorists. Senators Lisa Murkowski and John Curtis described the livestream as inappropriate for the United States, with Murkowski suggesting it was reminiscent of authoritarian regimes and Curtis warning that public executions could erode societal values.

The backlash extended to retired military leadership: 45 former generals and admirals signed an open letter urging Trump to cancel the livestream, denouncing it as a “barbaric abuse of authority.” Additionally, the Archbishop for the US Armed Forces encouraged Catholic soldiers who might be assigned to the firing squad to request exemption from participating.

This public disagreement between Trump and Hegseth marks a notable rebuke of the defense secretary, who has been involved in several controversies during his tenure but has retained the president’s support until now. The Pentagon has not issued an immediate response to the latest developments.