U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire following a social media post where he repurposes the beloved Canadian character Franklin the turtle as a soldier targeting “narco-terrorists.” The mock cover of a fictional book, “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists,” has drawn sharp criticism, with lawmakers and publishers condemning the characterization of a childhood icon in the context of military violence.
The reaction escalates as the Franklin publisher, Kids Can Press, emphasizes the character’s values of kindness and inclusivity, starkly contrasting with Hegseth’s militaristic portrayal. Amid ongoing scrutiny of U.S. military operations that allegedly involve strikes against suspected drug vessels, many critics on social media express disbelief, stating that Hegseth’s actions trivialize serious issues and misalign with the teachings of a character cherished by generations.
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