California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after the latter published a meme showing children's cartoon Franklin the turtle shooting "narco terrorists" with a rocket-propelled grenade.
"Justo go to prison, Pete," reads the image published by Newsom's press office, which also features a cartoon showing one character in prison.
https://t.co/LFHRsLNLei pic.twitter.com/OJPWy9JC1s
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) December 1, 2025
The publisher of "Franklin the Turtle" came out to address Hegseth's use of the image, criticizing the unauthorized use of the character. "Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity," publisher Kids Can Press said in a statement.
"We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin's name or image, which directly contradicts these values," it added.
Hegseth has stood in defiance following the criticism. He recently said on X that the attacks are intended to be "lethal, kinetic strikes" that "destroy narco-boats, and kill the narco-terrorists who are poisoning the American people."
"As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland," he added.
The Secretary of Defense is under scrutiny after an article by The Washington Post claimed he ordered all people aboard an alleged drug vessel be killed. The report in question noted that Hegseth ordered that all people aboard the vessel be killed by a U.S. strike in September, prompting the military to conduct a second strike to finish off survivors.
President Donald Trump, on his end, said he "wouldn't have wanted a second strike" against the vessel. Speaking to press aboard the Air Force one, Trump was asked specifically about the report and whether a second strike that finished off survivors would have been legal.
"I don't know that happened and Pete said he did not even know what people were talking about. We'll look into it. I wouldn't have wanted a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine. Pete said that didn't happen. I have great confidence. Pete said he didn't order the death of those two men," Trump said.
However, several lawmakers have come out to criticize Hegseth, and Republican-led Committees in the House and the Senate announced they will conduct respective investigations regarding the incident.
Republican Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued a statement along with Democratic counterpart Jack Reed vowing to investigate the reported order.
They claimed to be "aware of recent news report — and the Department of Defense's initial response — regarding alleged follow-on strikes on suspected narcotics vessels," and said they will be conducting "vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances."
Likewise, the leaders of the House Armed Services Committee, including GOP Rep. Mike Rogers, said they are "taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question."
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Tags: Pete Hegseth, Gavin newsom, Democrats, Republicans
