How did a Canadian cartoon character become an icon for America’s right wing?

Franklin the Turtle has been reborn as a right-wing symbol in certain corners of the internet where he now functions as a winking shorthand.
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‘Franklin the Turtle’ publisher rips Hegseth over ‘violent’ use of character in meme

(The Hill) – The publisher of the children’s book series “Franklin the Turtle” condemned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over what they called a “violent” portrayal of the character as he faces heat ...
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DOJ portrays ‘Franklin the Turtle’ as ‘deportation’ judge

(The Hill) — In the second Trump administration post of its kind, the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday portrayed the “Franklin the Turtle” character as a “deportation” judge. Defense Secretary ...