The publisher of children’s book series Franklin the Turtle hit out at “unauthorized” depictions of its main character after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a mock cover of Franklin shooting at drug traffickers.

Hegseth shared Sunday an image of a children’s book, titled Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists, showing the eponymous turtle dressed in military gear, standing in a helicopter and firing a weapon at boats loaded with cargo and men with guns. “For your Christmas wish list,” Hegseth captioned the picture.

His post was a reference to the Trump administration’s deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific in recent months, which have killed more than 80 people, according to the Pentagon, and raised concerns among lawmakers and others about the limits of executive power and the strikes’ compliance with international law.

“Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity,” the publisher Kids Can Press wrote in a statement on X.

“We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image, which directly contradicts these values,” the publishing house added.

The Washington Post reported last week that Hegseth directed the U.S. military to kill any survivors in a Sept. 2 strike on a boat off the Trinidad coast that initially left two people clinging to the smoking wreckage. POLITICO has not independently verified the Post’s reporting.

The White House on Monday confirmed a second strike in September had killed injured civilians after the first effort failed — but top officials in the Trump administration have stated pointedly it was U.S. Special Operations Command head Adm. Frank Bradley’s call, not Hegseth’s.

Bradley was “within his authority and the law” in conducting the second strike, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said. Hegseth himself called Bradley “an American hero” and pledged his “100% support” in a post on X that placed responsibility for the Sept. 2 strike on the admiral.

“I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made — on the September 2 mission and all others since,” Hegseth wrote.

The Franklin books see the young turtle dealing with life’s everyday challenges, such as Franklin Goes to the Hospital and Franklin Rides a Bike, and teach about themes such as courage and empathy.