Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has appeared to respond to his critics amid controversy over missile strikes on alleged drug boats by posting a parody image of a much-loved children’s character.
In a post on his personal X account, Hegseth posted an edited version of a Franklin the Turtle book cover with the title “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists.” The image shows the cartoon turtle standing on the edge of a helicopter, opening fire on a boat.
Hegseth wrote in a caption: “For your Christmas wish list...”
It comes after The Washington Post reported last week that Hegseth had issued a verbal order for a follow-up strike to wipe out survivors of an initial strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in the Caribbean.
In a post on his official government account on X on Friday, Hegseth said that “fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.”
He added: “Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.”
President Donald Trump on Sunday told reporters that he would “look into” the matter, and that he wouldn’t have wanted a second strike.
He also defended Hegseth, adding: “Pete said he did not order the death of those two men.”
Newsweek has approached the Pentagon for comment in an email sent outside of regular working hours.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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