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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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The publisher of the Franklin the Turtle cartoon has slammed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for using the cartoon in a violent image showing the turtle firing at drug boats.
In a post on X on Monday, Hegseth posted an edited version of a Franklin the Turtle book cover with the title "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists." The image shows the cartoon turtle standing on the edge of a helicopter, opening fire on a boat.
It was posted by Hegseth after a report in the Washington Post claimed he had allegedly issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed as part of two strikes on a suspected drug boat in the southern Caribbean on September 2.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday Hegseth had authorized the strikes but did not give the "kill everybody" order.
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In response to Hegseth's X post, publisher Kids Can Press wrote in a post shared on several social media platforms: "Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image, which directly contradicts these values."
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told Newsweek: "We doubt Franklin the Turtle wants to be inclusive of drug cartels…or laud the kindness and empathy of narco-terrorists."
Why It Matters
The strikes have sparked bipartisan scrutiny with lawmakers signaling support for a congressional review of U.S. maritime counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. While the incident raises questions about the legitimacy and legality of U.S. military operations against suspected drug trafficking, defense officials have maintained the strikes are necessary to stop the flow of narcotics into the U.S.
What To Know
The Post reported that Hegseth gave a spoken directive to kill all crew members aboard a boat suspected of smuggling drugs in September.
The newspaper said that came after U.S. forces realized two survivors from the original crew of 11 were clinging to the wreckage of the boat after an initial strike.
Hegseth defended the legality of the strikes. Leavitt said U.S. Navy commander Admiral Frank Bradley ordered the strike. On X, Hegseth called Bradley "an American hero" and said he "has my 100% support."
Since September, U.S. troops have carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats, killing at least 83 people, according to Reuters.
The U.S. has been expanding its military presence in the Caribbean in an effort to combat drugs.
What People Are Saying
North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis said that whoever ordered the second strike on survivors of the Pentagon's boat attack, "if substantiated" needs "to get the hell out of Washington." He added that "we still need to get to the bottom" of the incident but it would amount to "a violation of an ethical, moral or legal code" if true.
In another X post, Hegseth wrote that current operations are "lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command."
"As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland," he added.
Trump told reporters on Sunday: "I wouldn't have wanted that—a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine."
What Happens Next
Scrutiny of the incident will continue. The Senate Armed Services Committee has said it will be "conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts" related to the strikes.
Update: 12/02/2025 05:11 a.m. E.T.: This story has been updated with comment from the Pentagon.
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