December 1, 2025 / 11:07 PM EST / CBS News
The Canadian publisher of the “Franklin” children’s books condemned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Monday after he posted a cartoon showing Franklin the Turtle apparently firing a rocket-propelled grenade from a helicopter, with a mock book title, “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists.”
Hegseth’s post appeared on his X account Sunday evening as questions grew about the Trump administration’s months-long campaign of boat strikes in South America and reports of a second strike that targeted survivors in the water. Toronto-based Kids Can Press said in a social media statement that “Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image, which directly contradicts these values.”
CBS News contacted Kids Can Press for comment. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell responded: “We doubt Franklin the Turtle wants to be inclusive of drug cartels… or laud the kindness and empathy of narco-terrorists.”
Hegseth’s post drew criticism from Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a retired Navy captain under investigation by the Pentagon for participating in a video encouraging service members not to obey illegal orders. “He is in the national command authority for nuclear weapons, and last night he’s putting out, on the internet, turtles with rocket-propelled grenades,” Kelly said. “I mean, have you seen this? This is the secretary of defense. This is not a serious person.”
The Washington Post reported that U.S. forces carried out more than one strike on a single boat on Sept. 2, killing two survivors from the initial attack after Hegseth allegedly ordered the military to “kill everybody onboard.” The White House confirmed Monday that there was a second strike but denied that Hegseth ordered it.
Some Democratic lawmakers have suggested the second strike may amount to a war crime, citing domestic and international law that bars attacks on wounded, sick, or shipwrecked combatants who no longer pose a threat. The administration maintains the strikes complied with the law and were necessary to curb drug trafficking.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Adm. Frank Bradley, who commanded the Sept. 2 operation, saying he “worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.” Hegseth posted support for Bradley Monday, calling him “an American hero, a true professional,” and saying he had Bradley’s “100% support” for the September 2 mission and others.
Eleanor Watson contributed to this report.