Franklin the Turtle publisher criticizes Pete Hegseth for sharing violent mock book cover

Kids Can Press criticizes U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for sharing a mock image of Franklin the Turtle

Kids Can Press, the publisher behind the well-known Franklin the Turtle children’s books, is denouncing a social media post by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that depicts the character in a militarized, violent scenario.

'Franklin the Turtle' publisher condemns Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's post featuring the character

“Franklin [has] inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity"

"We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of… pic.twitter.com/ce5LtCFOtX

— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) December 2, 2025

Hegseth posted an edited image on Sunday showing a fictional Franklin book titled “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists,” adding the caption, “For your Christmas wish list.” The mock cover portrays Franklin smiling while dressed in military gear, firing a weapon from a helicopter at boats loaded with what appear to be packages. The imagery appears to reference recent U.S. military actions targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific.

For your Christmas wish list… pic.twitter.com/pLXzg20SaL

— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 1, 2025

In a statement to The Canadian Press, Kids Can Press said the depiction runs counter to the values the character represents. The publisher emphasized that Franklin symbolizes empathy, inclusivity and kindness, and condemned any use of the character in ways that are violent, denigrating or unauthorized.

The post led to a wide range of reactions online. Some users responded by making their own parody book covers, while others criticized the U.S. defense chief for using a Canadian children’s character in a militarized context.

Franklin the Turtle has appeared in more than a dozen books, an animated TV series and even on a Canadian postage stamp.