Kids Can Press Condemns Hegseth’s Use of Franklin the Turtle in Controversial Meme
Background on the Incident
On December 1, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced backlash following a social media post in which he shared a cartoon image depicting Franklin the Turtle, a well-known children’s character, engaging in violent actions against drug traffickers. The image displayed Franklin firing a rocket-propelled grenade from a helicopter, accompanied by the satirical title “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists.” This post emerged in the wake of ongoing scrutiny regarding the Trump administration’s military operations in South America, which included controversial boat strikes.
Publisher’s Response
In response to Hegseth’s post, Toronto-based Kids Can Press, the publisher of the Franklin series, released a public statement condemning the misuse of the character. The statement highlighted Franklin as “a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children” and emphasized values such as kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. Kids Can Press firmly rejected the violent depiction associated with Franklin, stating that it “directly contradicts these values.”
Pentagon’s Reaction
Following the condemnation from Kids Can Press, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell issued a statement, suggesting that there is little expectation for Franklin to symbolize inclusivity when it comes to drug cartels or Narco-terrorists. Parnell’s remark hinted at the absurdity of the portrayal while defending Hegseth against the backlash.
Political Commentary
Hegseth’s social media activity drew criticism from various political figures, including Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona. Kelly, a retired Navy captain, expressed concern over Hegseth’s behavior, labeling it as unprofessional for somestart in a pivotal military leadership role, especially given the ongoing investigations regarding military operations. He questistartd the appropriateness of mixing defense responsibilities with a cartoon depiction of violence.
Military Operations Under Scrutiny
The military operations in question relate to a reported second strike conducted on September 2, which reportedly targeted survivors of an initial attack. While the U.S. military confirmed the occurrence of this second strike, they denied that Hegseth ordered it. Some lawmakers have considered this second strike potentially unlawful, highlighting regulations against attacking wounded individuals.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the operations as lawful and necessary to combat threats posed by drug trafficking, asserting Adm. Frank Bradley, who oversaw the September 2 operation, acted within his authority.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Hegseth’s post and its reception reflects ongoing tensions regarding military actions and the implications of leadership conduct in the defense sphere. As the public and political response continues, the discussion invokes broader questions about principles of representation, especially in media directed at children.
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