Hegseth shares Franklin the Turtle meme 2 hours after Trump distances himself from him amid war crime accusation

President Donald Trump has stepped back from a recent report suggesting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may have been involved in a potential war crime. According to a Friday report by the Washington Post, Hegseth is alleged to have issued an order to kill everyone on a small vessel near Trinidad on September 2. The report claims that this included two survivors clinging to the wreck after the initial missile strike on the suspected drug boat, according to sources familiar with the incident.

Experts in national security indicate that if a second strike was indeed commanded, it could qualify as a war crime. Lawmakers across both parties are now demanding a thorough investigation into the events.

On Sunday night, while speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated he knew nothing about the incident, emphasized that Hegseth denied issuing the order, and added that he would not have wanted a follow-up strike.

However, Hegseths response has raised further concerns. Just two hours later, the defense secretary shared a meme featuring Franklin the Turtle, seemingly making light of the operation, even as the Caribbean strikes have resulted in nearly 100 deaths so far.

Author: Sophia Brooks