‘Franklin the Turtle’ publisher condemns Pete Hegseth’s ‘violent’ meme

The publisher of the iconic children’s book series “Franklin the Turtle” issued a statement on social media Monday condemning Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s “violent” and “unauthorized” use of his character in a meme published on X.

On Sunday, Hegseth shared a meme with the title “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists” parodying the Franklin series, showing the turtle firing a rocket-propelled grenade launcher at gunmen on boats.

“For your Christmas wish list…” Hegseth joked While sharing the fake book cover.

TRUMP SAYS HE ‘100%’ BELIEVES HEGSETH DENIES VENEZUELAN DRUG PIPE ATTACK AMONG CLAIMS

Kids Can Press, the Canadian publisher behind the “Franklin” series, condemned the secretary meme in a statement posted to its social media accounts the next day.

“Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and represents kindness, empathy and inclusivity,” the statement said. “We strongly condemn any derogatory, violent or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image that directly conflicts with these values.”

When asked for comment by Fox News Digital, Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell responded: “We doubt Turtle Franklin wants to cover drug cartels…or praise the kindness and empathy of narco-terrorists.”

The meme appeared to reference ongoing US attacks on boats allegedly smuggling drugs in the Caribbean; These attacks have sparked controversy over the past month, with opponents claiming the attacks were illegal because they did not have congressional approval.

HEGSETH DEFENDS FATAL SHOTS AGAINST ALLEGED DRUG TRICKER: ‘BIDEN VIOLENCES TERRORISTS, WE KILL THEM’

President Donald Trump targeted Venezuelan drug boats with military strikes. The United States picked up two survivors of an attack on a suspected smuggling boat on Thursday. (@realDonaldTrump via Truth Social/AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Hegseth and the Trump administration have faced increasing scrutiny over their attacks on suspected “narco-terrorists” after it was revealed that a second attack on a Venezuelan drug ship was carried out in September.

On Monday, the White House confirmed and defended the second attack; White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the attack was carried out in “self-defense” in international waters “in accordance with the law of armed conflict.”

The Washington Post reported On Friday, Hegseth ordered a verbal assault on September 2 to kill everyone on board the alleged drug ship, prompting lawmakers to call for greater scrutiny of the attacks.

The Post reported that a second attack was carried out to extract survivors from the boat.

HEGSETH SAID THAT THE ARMY MADE A NEW ATTACK ON THE BOAT ALLEGED TO BE A NARCO TERRORISM

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth salutes while inspecting the guard of honor during a welcome ceremony prior to the 57th Security Advisory Meeting (SCM) on November 4, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. (Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool/Getty Images)

According to the Post, the commander overseeing that operation told his colleagues in a secure conference call that the survivors were legitimate targets because they could alert other traffickers and ordered the second attack, citing Hegseth’s directive that everyone should be killed.

“As always, fake news delivers more fabricated, inflammatory and derogatory stories to discredit our incredible warriors fight to protect the homeland,” Hegseth wrote to X on Friday.

“As we have said from the beginning and in every statement, these highly effective attacks are specifically intended to be ‘lethal, kinetic attacks,'” Hegseth continued. “The declared purpose is to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-bots, and kill narco-terrorists Those who poison the American people. “Every trafficker we killed was affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization.”

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Fox News’ Diana Stancy and Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.