Livestream reversal: Pentagon downplays first major public split between Trump and Hegseth

Trump rejects livestream proposal

Hegseth announced the Army’s plan last week to broadcast Hasan’s execution by firing squad. Trump stopped it on Thursday, with a White House official saying the president had not known about the proposal.

No US government execution has ever been broadcast or livestreamed, according to death penalty experts. The military has not carried out a firing-squad execution since 1945.

Objections and political reaction

Trump initially suggested a broadcast could deter terrorism, but later concluded that making the execution public went too far. The plan had drawn criticism from fellow Republicans, religious leaders and international observers. Defense officials told Reuters they were relieved the livestream would not proceed. Senator Kelly introduced a bill on Thursday to prohibit livestreamed executions, calling the practice “un-American and dangerous.”

Hegseth’s position under scrutiny

The disagreement has fueled speculation in Washington about whether Trump might seek new Pentagon leadership after November’s midterm elections. Defense secretaries often leave their posts after a couple of years. Republican strategist Charlie Black said the dispute would probably pass quickly and that Trump “did the right thing.” Trump has publicly praised Hegseth and given him latitude to reshape the Pentagon, including by dismissing senior officers.

Other challenges remain

Hegseth narrowly won Senate confirmation, and many Republicans have remained unconvinced about his qualifications. The article also says his relationship with Trump has stayed strong despite public opposition to the war in Iran.