'Franklin The Turtle' Publisher Responds To Hegseth's 'Violent' Boat Strike Image

By Chris Spiker From Daily Voice

The publisher behind the "Franklin the Turtle" books is upset after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared an image of the children's character shooting at drug traffickers.

Kids Can Press posted its response to Hegseth's depiction of Franklin on Monday, Dec. 1. The Canadian company first began publishing the cartoon turtle's books in 1986.

The post came one day after Hegseth shared the picture of Franklin in military gear, standing in a helicopter and firing a weapon at boats loaded with cargo and armed men. The mock book's title was "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists," and Hegseth added the caption, "For your Christmas wish list."

In a Facebook post, the publisher denounced Hegseth's image.

"Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity," Kids Can Press posted. "We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin's name or image, which directly contradicts these values."

According to Kids Can Press, about 65 million copies of Franklin books have been sold in more than 30 languages. Along with its book series, Franklin the Turtle was featured in a popular Nick Jr. cartoon from 1999 to 2004, along with a CGI reboot in the early 2010s.

Hegseth's post came as backlash grows to recent airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific that the Trump administration claims are used for smuggling drugs. More than 80 people have been killed in the strikes that have destroyed at least 22 boats.

Criticism has risen since The Washington Post reported that Hegseth ordered the military to "kill everyone" aboard a Venezuelan boat off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, Sept. 2. After a first strike left two men floating on the boat's wreckage, Adm. Frank Bradley reportedly authorized a second strike that killed the survivors.

Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to reporters in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on November 26, 2025.

Wikimedia Commons - Department of Defense/Navy PO2 Aiko Bongolan

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Bradley, saying that he acted "within his authority and the law," Politico reported. In another social media post, Hegseth called the commander of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) "an American hero, a true professional," and gave Bradley his "100% support."

Lawmakers and international law experts warn the strikes may violate the rules of war, since survivors in the water cannot pose an imminent threat. Six Democratic members of Congress released a video in November, telling soldiers and national security personnel that they can reject unlawful orders from the Trump administration.

The FBI has opened an investigation into the lawmakers labeled the "Seditious Six" by Hegseth.

In September, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to change the DoD's name to "Department of War," but the rebranding requires congressional approval.