UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing intense backlash after an ill-conceived tweet parodying a children’s book went viral for all the wrong reasons. Earlier this week, Hegseth shared a post featuring a cartoon turtle wielding a rocket launcher, seemingly trivializing serious allegations of war crimes against his department.
The controversial tweet, posted on December 1, 2025, has sparked outrage across social media platforms, with users expressing disgust at the insensitivity of the imagery. Hegseth’s attempt to make light of the situation has backfired, drawing criticism from various corners.
Critics quickly pointed out that the character used in Hegseth’s parody is none other than Franklin the Turtle, a beloved Canadian children’s book figure protected by copyright. Authorities are now questioning whether Hegseth’s tweet may have violated international copyright laws, adding a legal dimension to the ongoing controversy.
“Is Franklin also divorced in this universe?” tweeted one user, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. Another user remarked, “This perfectly illustrates how racists are antisocial losers with no friends,” capturing the prevailing sentiment among many critics.
In a further twist to the saga, another Twitter user, Logan Hall, attempted to parody the original post, further embroiling himself in the controversy. His version depicted immigrants in a negative light, which was met with even more backlash. Users responded with a collective eye-roll, noting the evident racism embedded in the parody.
As the backlash intensifies, social media is flooded with responses, many of which ridicule both Hegseth and Hall for their tone-deaf attempts at humor. One user poignantly stated, “This is perfect. It’s showing various minorities getting along and being friendly, while Franklin refuses to participate and isolates himself in misery.” This reflects a broader societal concern about how such narratives can perpetuate stereotypes.
The incident has not only raised eyebrows but has also ignited conversations about the impact of political figures using social media irresponsibly. Many are calling for accountability, especially given the serious nature of the allegations surrounding the Department of Defense.
As this story develops, observers are keen to see if Hegseth will issue an apology or clarification regarding his tweet. The fallout from this incident underscores the delicate balance public figures must maintain when engaging with sensitive topics online.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds. The implications of this incident may extend beyond social media, potentially affecting Hegseth’s public standing and the ongoing conversations about accountability in government communications.
