Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

cbabe

(6,010 posts)
34. Hegseth condemned by publisher as children's book hero dragged into military controversy
Mon Dec 1, 2025, 09:20 PM
23 hrs ago
https://www.rawstory.com/hegseth-2674359955/

Hegseth condemned by publisher as children's book hero dragged into military controversy

Matthew Chapman
December 1, 2025 9:13PM ET

The publisher behind the celebrated Franklin the Turtle series of children's books is now speaking out in protest after President Donald Trump's Secretary of Defense shared an image of the character shooting at drug boats.



Speaking to The Independent, Kids Can Press, the publisher of the Franklin the Turtle series, fired back at Trump's Pentagon chief.

“Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity,” they said through a spokesperson. “We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image, which directly contradicts these values.”

Meanwhile, noted The Independent, users fired back on X, posting their own AI-generated images of books with titles like Franklin Goes to The Hague, Franklin On Trial at the ICC, and Franklin Goes to Jail.

… more …

Recommendations

2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Reminds me of when Gen. Wes Clark said that dubya senseandsensibility Yesterday #1
Another drunk fool who is a man baby. Irish_Dem Yesterday #3
Dubya senseandsensibility Yesterday #20
He was drunk in all the videos I saw of him while he was in the WH. Irish_Dem Yesterday #21
the man is a rapist and an alcoholic and a cartoon soldier Skittles 21 hrs ago #39
The DOD head is a civilian for a reason. The US military is under CIVILIAN leadership. Irish_Dem Yesterday #2
SHAME ON ANYONE WHO VOTED TO CONFIRM HIM Skittles Yesterday #4
Can I quote you on that cause Ima gonna steal those words and repeat them often. Marie Marie Yesterday #23
Endorse. GopherGal Yesterday #30
Kelly for 2028 WA-03 Democrat Yesterday #5
he's really standing up for democracy Skittles Yesterday #6
Anybody seen the flying turtles with grenades Kelly mentioned? KS Toronado Yesterday #7
PETE HEGSETH FULL METAL FRANKLIN ... Secretary Turns Cartoon Character Into a Killer cbabe Yesterday #8
Thank you, thought it was a video KS Toronado Yesterday #10
That's disgusting MustLoveBeagles Yesterday #15
Amen, fucking repugs won't even allow children a happy childhood KS Toronado Yesterday #25
Horrible MustLoveBeagles Yesterday #13
The Canadian ladies who created the books should sue him. Beacool Yesterday #31
Pete's really gonna like that one... Fil1957 Yesterday #9
Yeah.... paleotn Yesterday #14
trump is going to hate this mercuryblues Yesterday #11
I like how Kelly was respectful to those asking questions off-the-clock Yesterday #12
I actually have to give Trump credit kwolf68 Yesterday #16
3rd string JV underpants 23 hrs ago #33
Secretary Shitfaced needs to borrow Jacob Chansley's uniform and do it up right. Buns_of_Fire Yesterday #17
I read that tatoo ink moves around in the body. Justice matters. Yesterday #19
Senator Kelly MW67 Yesterday #18
Well, Sen. Kelly certainly isn't backing down from Kegsbreath, MarineCombatEngineer Yesterday #22
He has REALLY grown into the job the past couple of years Attilatheblond Yesterday #27
2 Stand up men fighting this illegal regime, MarineCombatEngineer Yesterday #28
This 'Zonie' who spent formative years around the military Attilatheblond Yesterday #32
Panama Canal Zone? PJMcK 12 hrs ago #41
Nope, Arizona Attilatheblond 11 hrs ago #42
Kelly: "When Trump was driving the Taj Mahal Casino into bankruptcy, I was being shot at over Iraq.." red dog 1 Yesterday #24
Thanks for that clip. KS Toronado Yesterday #26
Love the fire in this man. nt MarineCombatEngineer Yesterday #29
I did not know he had been part of the recovery efforts after the Columbia tragedy. 3catwoman3 23 hrs ago #35
Great clip. underpants 23 hrs ago #36
Hegseth condemned by publisher as children's book hero dragged into military controversy cbabe 23 hrs ago #34
Fucking tabless beyotch and failed infantry officer Aviation Pro 23 hrs ago #37
It is embarrassing angrychair 22 hrs ago #38
Wow. That was REALLY great! C Moon 19 hrs ago #40
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Kelly: ... He runs around...»Reply #34