Canadian publisher of Franklin the Turtle outraged over Pete Hegseth's narco terrorists meme

Kids Can Press, the Canadian publisher behind the long-running Franklin the Turtle series, is condemning a meme shared by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that depicts the children’s character as a combat-ready soldier. 

Hegseth on Sunday posted a mock book cover titled “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists” featuring the green turtle wearing a helmet, tactical vest, and American flag patch while firing a weapon from a helicopter. “For your Christmas wish list,” Hegseth wrote. The Pentagon has defended the operations to target narco-terrorists in the Caribbean aligned with hostile regimes.

Members of Congress have accused Pete Hegseth of war crimes after The Washington Post released a report claiming, citing anonymous sources, that Hegseth had ordered to "kill everybody" in a September strike on a boat that was said to be bringing narcotics to the US in the Caribbean. After an initial strike damaged a vessel, two survivors were seen in surveillance footage. A second strike was ordered by the mission commander. The New York Times has released a report disputing the one from the Washington Post, stating that the order from Hegseth was to kill people on the boat and destroy it, as well as its cargo. The order was issued ahead of the September 2 strike, and no additional orders were given by Hegseth during the operation. The order did not specify what to do if the strike failed at one of the goals. 

Members of Congress, who have accused Hegseth of "war crimes"  giving an order to "kill everybody" during the operation, have also attacked the War Secretary. The Washington Post reported last week that Hegseth told forces to ensure no survivors from an initial strike.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer pounced on the meme Monday, saying Hegseth “posted a ridiculous tweet of a cartoon turtle firing on alleged drug traffickers — a sick parody of a well-known children’s book.” Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, told reporters he reads Franklin books to his children but “not that one apparently,” arguing the meme shows Hegseth isn’t taking the job seriously.

Kids Can Press issued its own response, stressing the image clashes with the character’s purpose. “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.”

A Pentagon spokesperson pushed back, saying, “We doubt Franklin the turtle wants to be inclusive of drug cartels … or laud the kindness and empathy of narco-terrorists.”