President Donald Trump has privately expressed misgivings about livestreaming the firing-squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, after publicly shifting his position on the idea several times over two days.
A livestream of Hasan’s Dec. 3 execution “might not happen,” Trump told one confidant, according to Axios, which spoke with four people who have discussed the matter with the president.
“He didn’t sound particularly enthusiastic," the confidant said. “That’s why he’s calling around, doing the Trump thing, asking people what they think.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth floated the plan Thursday on Real America’s Voice, saying the execution would be made public “because people need to understand that there’s serious consequences for these types of things.” The proposal drew swift condemnation from lawmakers in both parties and internationally.
On Friday evening, Trump told reporters, “Absolutely, I approve.” Later that night, he struck a more cautious tone, saying, “I wasn’t involved in that decision, but I understand the decision.” By Saturday, he said the final call was his.
“There are two thoughts – don’t show it and show it,” Trump said. “I know what the military would like to do, but we’ll make a decision.”
A senior administration official told Axios that Trump has been deluged with “negative input” from lawmakers and advisers inside and outside the White House.
Vice President JD Vance has also signaled where things may be headed.
“I don’t know if that’s actually going to happen,” Vance told reporters Friday, adding, “I’m not going to be watching it.” He has privately repeated that view to others, according to Axios. The split marks another point of disagreement between Vance and Hegseth, who have clashed over military action in Yemen and Iran.
Those close to Trump say he is torn.
“The president wants the bastard to pay, and a public execution might be that extra humiliation [Hasan] deserves,” one confidant said. “At the same time, he doesn’t want to make the guy a martyr.”
“This is an old dude in a wheelchair we’re shooting," another confidant added. "We want to livestream that?” Hasan, 56, was permanently injured when he was shot during his capture.
Hasan killed 13 people and wounded 32 others at Fort Hood in 2009.
“If I had to bet, I would bet the president doesn’t authorize this,” one administration official said.