**Franklin the Turtle Criticizes Use of Children’s Characters in War Propaganda by Hegseth**

Defense Secretary Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Image Depicting Children’s Character in War Propaganda

By Sharon Zhang

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire from a Canadian children’s book publisher, a UN human rights expert, and members of Congress after posting an AI-generated image on X depicting the beloved children’s character Franklin the Turtle engaged in a violent military operation. The image, presented as a mock children’s book cover titled Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists, shows the turtle character wielding a missile from a helicopter, targeting a boat filled with individuals and packages.

Kids Can Press, the publisher of the Franklin the Turtle series, swiftly condemned Hegseth’s “unauthorized” use of the character, stating it “directly contradicts” the series’ values of “kindness, empathy, and inclusivity.” the Franklin series, which includes titles like Franklin Goes to School and Franklin’s Baby Sister, has been a staple of children’s literature for decades and was also adapted into a popular ’90s television show.

The controversy comes as Hegseth faces increasing scrutiny over his alleged orders during the Trump governance’s boat strike campaign. A recent report revealed Hegseth allegedly ordered troops to “kill everybody” during an initial strike, leading to a subsequent “double tap” attack on a vessel. These strikes have been widely condemned as potential war crimes.

“This is serious business…you’re killing people. And this is your response to tweet out some joke about a cartoon turtle,” stated Rep. adam Smith (Washington), the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.

Top Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell defended Hegseth, suggesting Franklin the Turtle would not want to be “inclusive of drug cartels.” However,the incident has sparked broader concerns about potential crimes committed during the boat strike operation,possibly implicating multiple individuals within the chain of command.

UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter Terrorism Ben Saul has called for the arrest of both Hegseth and President Donald Trump for their involvement in the campaign, labeling the strikes “state murder of civilians in peacetime.” The situation continues to develop as investigations into the legality and morality of the boat strike campaign intensify.

How does Franklin the Turtle’s statement align with the principle of responsible reporting,particularly regarding avoiding sensationalism and the exploitation of emotional triggers?

The Unlikely advocate: Franklin’s Stance on Political Manipulation

The beloved children’s character,Franklin the turtle,has issued a surprisingly strong statement regarding recent allegations against Secretary Hegseth. The controversy, stemming from a report detailing an alleged order too “kill everybody” onboard a Caribbean vessel following a prior strike (as reported by Military.com on November 28, 2025 – [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/11/28/hegseth-ordered-second-strike-kill-caribbean-boat-survivors-report.html]), has prompted Franklin to speak out against the potential use of innocence and childhood imagery for political gain or to normalize violent actions.

This isn’t a direct endorsement of any political party, but a firm rejection of exploiting characters designed to teach positive values – friendship, honesty, and perseverance – within the context of alleged war crimes and questionable military protocols. The core message? Children’s icons should not be associated with brutality.

Hegseth and the Allegations: A Timeline of Concern

The current situation centers around accusations leveled against Secretary Hegseth concerning a September incident involving survivors of a caribbean vessel. The Military.com report details a potential shift in U.S. protocols following the alleged order. Key points to understand:

* Initial Strike: A first strike occurred on the vessel.

* survivor Presence: Survivors were reportedly present after the initial engagement.

* Alleged Second Order: Secretary Hegseth is accused of ordering a second strike to eliminate all remaining individuals onboard.

* Protocol Changes: The united States reportedly altered its protocols in the wake of the incident.

These allegations, while still under investigation, have sparked widespread debate about accountability and the ethical boundaries of military operations. The timing of Franklin’s statement suggests a direct response to the growing public concern and the potential for desensitization to violence.

Why Franklin? The Power of Childhood Icons

franklin the Turtle, created by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark, has been a staple of children’s literature and television for decades. His appeal lies in his relatable struggles with growing up, learning lessons, and navigating friendships.

Why is his voice resonating now? Several factors contribute:

* Innocence & Trust: Franklin embodies innocence and trustworthiness. His condemnation carries weight precisely because he’s not a political figure.

* Moral Compass: the Franklin series consistently emphasizes ethical behavior and empathy.

* Broad Appeal: Franklin transcends generational divides. Many adults who grew up with the character are now parents themselves, amplifying the message.

* Symbolic Depiction: He represents a generation of children taught to value peace and understanding.

This unexpected intervention highlights the power of childhood characters to influence public discourse, even on serious geopolitical matters. It taps into a deep-seated desire to protect innocence and uphold moral standards.

The Dangers of Propaganda & Desensitization

The core of Franklin’s criticism lies in the potential for propaganda and the desensitization of the public to violence.using imagery associated with childhood – even indirectly – to justify or normalize aggressive actions is deeply problematic.

Consider these points:

* Emotional Manipulation: Propaganda often relies on emotional manipulation. Associating violence with beloved characters can subtly influence perceptions.

* Normalization of Conflict: Repeated exposure to violence, even in seemingly innocuous contexts, can normalize conflict and reduce empathy.

* erosion of Values: The exploitation of childhood icons undermines the values they represent – kindness, compassion, and respect for life.

* Impact on Children: Children are particularly vulnerable to propaganda. They may struggle to differentiate between reality and manipulated narratives.

Real-world Examples of propaganda Targeting Youth

While the current situation with Hegseth is specific, the use of propaganda targeting youth is not new. Ancient examples demonstrate the long-standing practice:

* world War II: Both Allied and Axis powers utilized propaganda aimed at children, often depicting the enemy as monstrous or evil.

* Cold War: Comic books and educational films were used to promote anti-communist sentiment among young people.

* Modern Conflicts: The internet and social media have become new battlegrounds for propaganda, with targeted messaging reaching children and adolescents.

These examples underscore the importance of critical thinking and media literacy, particularly among young audiences.

Protecting Innocence: What Can be Done?

addressing the issue of propaganda and protecting innocence requires a multi-faceted approach:

1. Media Literacy Education: Schools and parents should prioritize media literacy education, teaching children how to critically evaluate information and identify bias.
2. Responsible Reporting: News organizations have a responsibility to report on sensitive issues with accuracy and sensitivity, avoiding sensationalism or the exploitation of emotional triggers.
3. Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the dangers of propaganda is crucial.
4. Accountability: Holding individuals and organizations accountable for spreading misinformation or engaging in manipulative practices.
5. Supporting Ethical Content Creation: Promoting and supporting the creation of ethical and responsible content for children.

The unexpected voice of Franklin the Turtle serves