U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash after posting a controversial image on social media featuring Franklin the Turtle, a beloved Canadian children's character. The post, shared on Sunday, depicted a mock cover of a children's book titled "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists." In the image, Franklin is shown wearing military gear, including a helmet and vest, while holding a weapon and standing in a helicopter. The post included the caption, "For your Christmas wish list," which many interpreted as a trivialization of serious military actions against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

Critics quickly condemned Hegseth's post. Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton responded directly, stating, "You're a disgrace. Where do I start on this? The fact that you want to sell a Canadian children's book? Or that you're going to get copyright infringed to hell ... because Franklin isn't a murderer and you want kids to be taught to kill?"

The Franklin series, created by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark, has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into an animated television show. Both Bourgeois and Clark are recognized members of the Order of Canada. Attempts to reach them for comment were unsuccessful.

The controversy comes amid ongoing scrutiny of U.S. military strikes targeting drug cartels, which the U.S. government claims are linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Reports surfaced that Hegseth had issued a verbal order for a second strike on a drug vessel, which raised legal and ethical concerns among lawmakers. Senator Tim Kaine remarked, "This rises to the level of a war crime if it’s true."

President Donald Trump defended Hegseth, asserting that the defense secretary did not order the killings and expressing his belief in Hegseth's account. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the second strike was conducted in self-defense and in accordance with laws governing armed conflict. She emphasized that the president has the authority to act against threats to the United States.

Despite the administration's defense, critics on social media continued to mock Hegseth's post, suggesting titles for hypothetical sequels such as "Franklin Goes to the Hague" and "Franklin Targets Venezuela's Oil." Many pointed out that Franklin is a Canadian character and a role model for children, making Hegseth's portrayal particularly troubling. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the implications of using children's characters in military contexts and the responsibilities of public figures in their communications.