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The publisher of the “Franklin the Turtle” children’s books is condemning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after he posted a doctored image of the beloved character appearing to attack suspected narcotics traffickers, a move that drew fresh criticism as the Pentagon faces scrutiny over lethal U.S. strikes in the Caribbean.
The Washington Post reported Friday that Hegseth issued a verbal order on Sept. 2 directing that no one aboard a suspected drug-smuggling vessel be left alive. When two survivors were spotted after an initial strike, a U.S. military commander ordered a second attack to comply with Hegseth’s directive, according to the report. The strike was the first of more than 20 such attacks conducted since early September, killing more than 80 people.
Over the weekend, Hegseth posted to X an altered book cover titled “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists,” depicting the Canadian turtle character firing a rocket-propelled grenade at a narcotics boat. “For your Christmas wish list …” he wrote.
In a statement late Monday, Kids Can Press — the publisher of the Canadian preschool franchise — rebuked the use of the character’s image in a political and violent context.
“Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity,” the publisher said. “We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image, which directly contradicts these values.”
Asked about the criticism, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in an email Tuesday that “we doubt Franklin the Turtle wants to be inclusive of drug cartels … or laud the kindness and empathy of narcoterrorists.”
The “Franklin” series, launched in 1986, spans more than 30 books and multiple television adaptations. It has sold 65 million copies in more than 30 languages worldwide.
Hegseth’s post drew bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer called it a “sick parody of a well-known children’s book,” adding that “tweeting memes in the middle of a potential armed conflict is something no serious military leader would ever even think of doing.”
Lawmakers in both chambers have pledged to investigate whether the Sept. 2 strike violated the law of armed conflict. Legal experts have said the reported targeting of survivors who posed no imminent threat could constitute an unlawful killing.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Monday that Hegseth authorized U.S. Special Operations Command chief Adm. Frank M. Bradley to conduct the Sept. 2 engagement. She said Bradley “worked well within his authority and the law.” Hegseth wrote that he stood by Bradley and “the combat decisions he has made.”
The statements were viewed inside the Pentagon as an effort to distance Hegseth from the operations, The Post reported, with some officials concerned he was attempting to shield himself while leaving Bradley to face potential legal exposure.
