Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted an AI image of popular children’s character Franklin the Turtle extrajudicially blowing up “drug boats,” just days after it was revealed he potentially committed a war crime of his own.

The Washington Post last week reported that Hegseth ordered a U.S. strike force to kill everyone on board one vessel in September. When two survivors were seen in the wreckage, commanders launched a second “double tap” strike to kill them.

Y ou know Franklin the turtle. Created by author Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark, Franklin "could count by twos and tie his shoes," according to the books and TV series that chronicle his adventures in the village of Woodland.

Even Republicans are calling for an investigation.

The post comes amid House and Senate inquiries into a reported second strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean in September. Hegseth reportedly ordered the military to "kill everybody" after the first strike on the boat left two survivors clinging to wreckage in the water. Hegseth has called the story "fake news."

"Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity," Kids Can Press posted. "We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin's name or image, which directly contradicts these values."

"We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image, which directly contradicts these values."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted an image of Franklin the Turtle firing a bazooka at "narco terrorists" in boats amid ongoing criticism of the Pentagon's targeting of suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.

President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth have rejected the Constitution in their zeal to stop illicit drugs from entering the U.S.

When a scandal-plagued top official needs a public vote of confidence from a president, it’s usually a certain sign they’re headed for the exit.