Pete Hegseth's 'Franklin the Turtle' meme is disrespectful to the U.S. military

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked widespread criticism after posting a social media image featuring the childrens character Franklin the Turtle launching from a helicopter at armed drug traffickers in the Caribbean. The image, captioned Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists, was widely regarded as juvenile, unprofessional, and embarrassing for the United States.

The post came amid scrutiny of the Trump administrations airstrikes in the Caribbean, which reportedly killed over 80 suspected drug traffickers. Two days prior, The Washington Post reported that Hegseth had authorized a follow-up strike to eliminate survivors clinging to the wreckage from an initial attacka move some described as potentially constituting a war crime. Though the administration initially denied the report, the White House later confirmed that a second strike had occurred.

Even if the strikes were legally justified, Hegseths meme trivialized serious military operations and the lives lost, sending a troubling message to the public, U.S. allies, and military personnel. Veterans and military observers criticized the post for dehumanizing victims and belittling the risks faced by American service members in the region.

Kids Can Press, the publisher of the Franklin character, condemned the use of Franklin in this violent context, emphasizing that the character represents kindness, empathy, and inclusivityvalues directly contradicted by Hegseths depiction.

Hegseths post also sparked concerns in Congress. Lawmakers have demanded access to the presidents order and Hegseths directive to Admiral Frank Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, to determine whether either document explicitly instructed the killing of all individuals on the targeted vessel. The administration has so far withheld these records, including video footage of the strike.

The controversy extends beyond legal questions to ethical and moral expectations of the U.S. military. Adherence to the laws of warfare is essential to protect both American troops and civilians, and military personnel are trained to respect these standards. Critics argued that Hegseths meme not only undermines these principles but also offends Congress and the broader public.

Ultimately, accountability for the September 2 strike and Hegseths social media conduct rests with President Trump. His decision on whether to take action against Hegseth could influence the administrations credibility on military ethics and lawful conduct in combat.

Author: Zoe Harrison