Publisher condemns ‘violent’ use of Franklin the Turtle after Hegseth’s boat strike post
US defense secretary posted meme depicting beloved children’s character aiming rocket launcher at set of boatsPete Hegseth told US soldiers in Iraq to ignore legal advice on rules of engagementA post on social media by US defense secretary Pete Hegseth, depicting a beloved children’s character...
<p>US defense secretary posted meme depicting beloved children’s character aiming rocket launcher at set of boats</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/02/hegseth-us-soldiers-iraq-rules-engagement">Pete Hegseth told US soldiers in Iraq to ignore legal advice on rules of engagement</a></p></li></ul><p>A post on social media by US defense secretary <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/pete-hegseth">Pete Hegseth</a>, depicting a beloved children’s character aiming a rocket launcher at a cluster of boats, has elicited condemnation from the book’s Canadian publisher.</p><p>Hegseth’s post of the mocked cover of a Franklin the Turtle book titled Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists prompted disbelief and outrage. The image shows a smiling anthropomorphic turtle in military helmet and vest, with a US flag on his arm and a drug-laden boat exploding in the background. “For your Christmas wish list,” Hegseth wrote as the caption.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/02/pete-hegseth-franklin-the-turtle">Continue reading...</a>
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