HHS uses Franklin imagery despite publisher’s objections to ‘unauthorized use’ after Hegseth post

The social media post came nearly one week after Kids Can Press, which publishes Franklin the Turtle, condemned a similar post from War Secretary Pete Hegseth in which he used the turtle to convey a more violent image. After Hegseth shared an image of Franklin shooting at boats from a helicopter with the title “Franklin targets narco terrorists,” the Canadian publisher put out a statement on Franklin’s “values.”

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

HHS’s X team posted on Sunday an image of Franklin strolling through a

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