The Canadian publisher of the “Franklin” children’s books recently criticized U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This came after Hegseth shared a cartoon showing Franklin the Turtle launching a rocket at a drug boat. His post raised eyebrows amid ongoing discussions about U.S. military actions in South America.
Kids Can Press, the publisher, quickly responded. They emphasized Franklin’s values of kindness and empathy, stating, “We strongly condemn any use of Franklin’s name or image that goes against these principles.” Franklin stories have been cherished by many, teaching children about friendship and life’s challenges, featuring titles like “Franklin Rides a Bike” and “Franklin Goes to School.”
The backlash didn’t stop there. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, called out Hegseth’s post, questioning how such a serious official would joke about violence in that way. “This is not a serious person,” he remarked, raising concerns given Hegseth’s responsibilities in national security.
Recent military actions have also ignited controversy. Reports suggest that following initial strikes, a second attack targeted survivors, leading to accusations of potential war crimes. Critics point out that international laws protect wounded individuals, which makes these actions particularly troubling. A Pentagon manual states that wounded or shipwrecked combatants should not be attacked.
In defense, Hegseth and the Trump administration assert these military operations are lawful and needed to combat drug trafficking. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that military leaders acted within their authority to eliminate threats to the U.S.
This situation reflects a growing tension between military strategy, public perception, and the values we associate with beloved characters like Franklin. As more people engage in these discussions online, it’s clear that such topics evoke strong feelings and differing opinions about ethics in warfare.
For further details on military law and conduct, you can read more through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual.
