The Canadian publisher of a children’s book character used by Pete Hegseth to downplay possible war crimes is distancing their cartoon turtle from the U.S. Secretary of War.

“Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy and inclusivity,” the publishing house Kids Can Press said in a statement Monday night. “We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image, which directly contradicts these values.”

The statement comes after Hegseth posted a doctored book cover on X showing Franklin dressed for war and firing rocket-propelled grenades from a helicopter at boats below. The fabricated book is titled “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists.”

The Defense Department finds itself t

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