Additional Coverage:
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced a wave of criticism on social media after sharing an unusual AI-generated image featuring a well-known children’s cartoon character, Franklin the Turtle. The post, intended as a lighthearted moment ahead of a serious congressional hearing, instead drew widespread calls for Hegseth to demonstrate greater maturity given his important role.
On Wednesday, Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee regarding the administration’s 2027 military budget proposal, which aims to raise defense spending to a record $1.5 trillion. Prior to the hearing, he posted an AI-created image showing himself, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, and Franklin the Turtle seated together at a desk. The scene depicted Franklin raising his hand as if being sworn in, with the caption: “A Classic Franklin Story: Franklin Testifies Before Congress.”
While Hegseth did not provide any additional explanation, social media users quickly reacted, many expressing disapproval and urging the defense secretary to “grow up.” Comments ranged from disappointment over the cartoon’s use in official contexts to criticism of Hegseth’s professionalism. One user wrote, “You are in a serious position of power and should be better than this,” while another remarked, “Heaven help us all when our Secretary of DEFENSE communicates using cartoons.”
This is not the first time Hegseth has incorporated Franklin the Turtle into his online posts, often using the character to mock political opponents. In December, he shared several AI-generated images portraying Franklin in military gear targeting “narco terrorists,” following Senate inquiries into allegations that Hegseth had ordered military personnel to take extreme actions against narcotics traffickers. Those images also sparked controversy, with critics deeming the issue too serious for such depictions.
The publisher of the Franklin series, Kids Can Press, issued a statement distancing itself from Hegseth’s use of the character. They emphasized Franklin the Turtle’s legacy as a symbol of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, condemning any violent or unauthorized use of the beloved figure.
As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth’s use of a children’s cartoon in this manner has raised questions about the appropriateness of his public communications amid significant national security discussions.