Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) has formally called for the immediate removal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from his position. This demand follows Hegseth’s stated intention to livestream the military execution of Nidal Hasan, a former Army Major convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. Hegseth has publicly defended the proposal, arguing that broadcasting the event is necessary to demonstrate that there are serious consequences for such actions.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from various sectors. Senator Kelly characterized the plan as being akin to the tactics used by U.S. adversaries, suggesting that such a spectacle undermines American values. Conversely, Hegseth has framed the potential livestream as a deterrent and a matter of public accountability. While the two sources agree on the core facts—that Hegseth proposed a public, filmed execution and that Kelly is calling for his resignation—they differ significantly in their characterization of Hegseth’s motivations. The Guardian describes Hegseth’s demeanor as having "barely concealed relish" regarding the plan, whereas The Hill focuses on the policy implications and the comparison to foreign regimes. There is no current indication of whether the administration intends to act on Senator Kelly's request or proceed with the proposed execution plan.