Publisher condemns ‘violent’ use of Franklin the Turtle after Hegseth’s boat strike post

US defense secretary posted meme depicting beloved children's character aiming rocket launcher at set of boats

• Pete Hegseth told US soldiers in Iraq to ignore legal advice on rules of engagement

A post on social media by US defense secretary Pete Hegseth, depicting a beloved children's character aiming a rocket launcher at a cluster of boats, has elicited condemnation from the book's Canadian publisher.

Hegseth's post of the mocked cover of a Franklin the Turtle book titled Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists prompted disbelief and outrage. The image shows a smiling anthropomorphic turtle in military helmet and vest, with a US flag on his arm and a drug-laden boat exploding in the background. For your Christmas wish list," Hegseth wrote as the caption.