Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a mock Franklin the Turtle book cover on X showing the character firing on boats with the caption, “For your Christmas wish list.”
- Kids Can Press, the Canadian publisher of the series, said it “strongly condemns any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use” of Franklin’s name or image.
- Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell pushed back on the publisher’s statement, saying, “We doubt Franklin the Turtle wants to be inclusive of drug cartels… or laud the kindness and empathy of narco-terrorists.”
- The White House has confirmed a second Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat and says Adm. Frank M. Bradley ordered it within his authority; Hegseth has publicly voiced full support for Bradley.
- House and Senate Armed Services Committees have opened inquiries as reporting of a follow-up strike killing survivors fuels legal concerns; officials say operations have been lawful, with at least 21 strikes and 80-plus deaths reported since September.