A Canadian children’s book icon is entangled in an international dispute after the U.S. Defense Department featured the character in an animated depiction about eliminating suspected drug traffickers.
Kids Can Press, the publisher behind Franklin the Turtle, criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for a social media post that showed the beloved turtle firing at alleged criminals. The publisher stated, “We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image.”
The backlash isn’t limited to the publisher. Sabrina Carpenter publicly condemned the White House on Tuesday for using her song in a clip about deporting migrants, calling it “evil and disgusting.”
In the mocked cover, Franklin appears aboard a military helicopter, firing a large weapon at boats suspected of belonging to drug trafficking networks. The faux title accompanying the image reads: “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists.” The image circulated alongside reports of U.S. interceptions of Venezuelan drug vessels since early September, with the administration insisting the strikes are acts of self-defense against shipments destined for the U.S.
Hegseth’s post carried the caption: “For your Christmas wish list…”
Franklin, the six-year-old turtle, is known for his adventures in daily life, from learning to ride a bike to his first sleepover. Beginning as the title character in the Canadian book series, Franklin has since become a staple across TV shows, films, video games, and stage productions.
Kids Can Press described Franklin as a cherished Canadian symbol who has inspired countless children and embodies kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. The publisher argued that portraying him in a violent scenario “undermines these core values.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell commented that it’s unlikely Franklin would endorse drug cartels or celebrate the supposed kindness of narco-traffickers.
Requests for comment from the creators of Franklin and the book’s authors were not returned by BBC.
Earlier, in September, Pokémon stated it did not authorize the use of its theme song or related footage in an ICE deportation raid video released by the U.S. government.
Earlier in the year, British artist Jess Glynne criticized White House officials after a Jet2holidays ad featuring her song was used in a promotional clip about deportations.
