'Franklin' Publisher Condemns Hegseth Meme Featuring Beloved Turtle

HuffPostTuesday, December 2, 2025 at 5:47:29 AM
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  • Kids Can Press, the publisher of the beloved children's character Franklin, has publicly condemned a meme created by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that features the turtle. The condemnation highlights the publisher's commitment to protecting the integrity of its characters and the messages they convey to children.
  • This incident is significant for Kids Can Press as it underscores the importance of maintaining a positive image for its brand and the characters that resonate with young audiences. The backlash against Hegseth's meme reflects broader concerns about the appropriateness of using children's media in political contexts.
  • The controversy surrounding Hegseth's actions is part of a larger discourse on the ethical implications of political figures using popular culture for their agendas. Critics have raised alarms about the potential normalization of violence and insensitivity in media, especially in light of recent allegations against Hegseth regarding military actions that some have labeled as war crimes.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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