Trump administration persists with Franklin the Turtle social media use
The Trump administration has continued its controversial use of the children’s character Franklin the Turtle in a social media campaign. the U.S. Education department, along with other federal agencies, posted satirical images featuring Franklin to promote their agendas. Such as, the Education Department shared a fake Franklin book cover titled “Franklin Knows the Department of Education Doesn’t Do Any Educating,” echoing Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s stance that the department itself doesn’t educate children. Similar posts were made by the Department of Health and Human Services highlighting healthy eating with Franklin.
These unauthorized uses of Franklin, a beloved Canadian icon known for promoting kindness and inclusivity, have been condemned by the original publisher, Kids can Press, who denounced the campaign for contradicting the character’s values. The trend began in november with War Secretary Pete Hegseth posting an image of Franklin engaged in military action, which also drew criticism. The campaign has sparked important backlash for appropriating a children’s character for political messaging.
Trump administration persists with Franklin the Turtle social media campaign
The Education Department joined the Franklin the Turtle social media campaign on Monday, alongside other federal departments.
On X, the department posted a fake cover of a Franklin the Turtle book titled “Franklin Knows the Department of Education Doesn’t Do Any Educating.” Franklin is pictured sitting in what appears to be a classroom, reading a book with an American flag hoisted behind him.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon is committed to diminishing the department, which she said “does not educate one child.” President Donald Trump made it clear that it will still handle “Pell Grants, Title I funding, [and] resources for children with disabilities and special needs.”
This post followed that of the Department of Health and Human Services, which posted an image on Sunday of Franklin grocery shopping under the title “Franklin avoids ultra-processed foods.”
These posts come in direct opposition to the publisher of Franklin the Turtle, which condemned “unauthorized use” of its character almost a week ago.
“Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity,” Kids Can Press wrote. “We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image, which directly contradicts these values.”
The statement from Kids Can Press followed War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s first post to start the trend in November. Hegseth shared an image of Franklin in a helicopter, shooting down at “narco-terrorists” with a firearm. Franklin is depicted with American flag badges.
OPINION: PETE HEGSETH SHOULD DEMOTE FRANKLIN THE TURTLE
Franklin the Turtle author Paulette Bourgeois published her first book on the character in 1989. Before that, the Canadian author lived in Washington, D.C., for a time as a freelance writer.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Kids Can Press for comment.
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