Franklin the Turtle: A Unlikely Political Mascot

USA, Washington, D.C.Tue Dec 09 2025
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Franklin the Turtle, a beloved children's character, has found himself in the middle of a political storm. The Trump administration has been using images of Franklin in various contexts, much to the dismay of the character's publisher. The Department of Health and Human Services recently posted an image of Franklin grocery shopping, with the caption \"Franklin avoids ultra-processed foods. \" This follows a post by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who shared an image of Franklin in a helicopter, shooting at \"narco-terrorists. \" These images have sparked controversy, as they seem to go against the values that Franklin stands for. Kids Can Press, the publisher of Franklin the Turtle, has condemned the unauthorized use of the character's image. They stated that Franklin is a symbol of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, and that these values are directly contradicted by the way the character has been portrayed in these posts. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has made it clear that the department's focus will be on funding and resources for children with disabilities and special needs. However, the use of Franklin the Turtle in political posts has raised questions about the administration's priorities and values. Franklin the Turtle was created by author Paulette Bourgeois in 1989. The character has been a beloved part of children's literature for generations, and it's clear that the Trump administration's use of the character is not in line with its original purpose. The controversy surrounding Franklin the Turtle highlights the importance of respecting the values and intentions behind beloved characters. It's clear that the Trump administration's use of Franklin is not in line with the character's values, and it's important to hold them accountable for this.
https://localnews.ai/article/franklin-the-turtle-a-unlikely-political-mascot-7d13a7ff

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