TORONTO, ON — The publisher of the “Franklin the Turtle” children’s book series denounced the unauthorized use of the character Monday after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared an image depicting Franklin firing a rocket launcher at drug boats. The post came as the administration faces scrutiny over a September strike on a suspected narcotics vessel near Venezuela, an operation that raised questions about potential violations of the laws of war.
The mock book cover, titled “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists,” shows the character in military gear launching a rocket from a helicopter. Hegseth posted the image on his personal X account amid reporting that survivors of the targeted boat were allegedly killed in a follow-up strike. The Pentagon and the White House have defended the legality of the operation, saying a Navy admiral—not Hegseth—directed the second strike.
Kids Can Press, the Canadian publisher behind the long-running series, said Franklin represents values of kindness and empathy and should not be associated with violent imagery. In its statement, the company condemned any “denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use” of the character.
Responding to the criticism, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell argued the meme reflected the administration’s stance against narcoterrorist groups, saying Franklin would not extend “kindness and empathy” to drug cartels.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
