National Review's editors back Trump's decision to stop the livestream
National ReviewUnsigned editorial by the editors of National Review
National Review's editors say Trump was correct to stop Hegseth's plan to livestream Hasan's execution. They support the death sentence but argue that a livestream would invite bloodlust rather than solemnity and would not deter terrorists.
“But there is a difference between carrying out an execution and livestreaming an execution, and support for one does not necessitate support for the other. President Trump is right to draw the distinction he has.”
Original text
Where this statement fits
Should Pete Hegseth livestream Nidal Hasan's execution?
Pete Hegseth confirmed plans to livestream Nidal Hasan's execution. Rep. Betty McCollum calls for stopping the public execution plan, while Alyssa Farah Griffin opposes broadcasting it despite supporting capital punishment. The dispute concerns public viewing of the execution.
Source and context
Original text
About this source
Unsigned National Review editorial of October 16, 2026 on President Trump's decision not to livestream Nidal Hasan's execution.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
The editors write that Hasan deserves to die and that his use of a wheelchair does not change his eligibility for execution.
After the quotation
The editors say most nations ended public executions because crowds treated them as entertainment, and that any deterrent value of a livestream would be offset by public disgust.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to Hegseth's plan to livestream Hasan's execution, the editors reject the livestream and endorse Trump's decision to stop it, so we labeled it Condemned. Their support for the death sentence does not make the position mixed, because the case concerns the broadcast rather than the sentence.
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More from this case
Read the full casePentagon says Hegseth is completely aligned with Trump's decision not to livestream
“spoke about the decision ... supports the President's decision, and they are completely aligned.”Read statement
Curtis calls the decision not to livestream "the right move"
“This is the right move, both for the loved ones of the victims and for the country”Read statement
Trump cancels the livestream
“I think streaming the execution for all to see might have been a strong deterrent for the World to witness how America deals with Terrorists and SCUM like Hasan but, many very good and well meaning people would rather not watch him die, through streaming, or through any other visual device. He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "National Review's editors back Trump's decision to stop the livestream". First published: 2026-10-17. Last updated: 2026-10-17. https://disputeindex.com/events/5990-national-review-s-editors-say-trump-was-correct