A prominent Fox News presenter has found himself at the centre of an online storm after making a bewildering claim about American founding father Benjamin Franklin during a live broadcast.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, on the programme Fox & Friends. Host Pete Hegseth, while discussing a segment, asserted that Benjamin Franklin had created a cartoon turtle character. This peculiar statement has since triggered a wave of mockery and serious questions about historical literacy.
The Bizarre On-Air Claim
During the broadcast, the conversation turned to topics of perseverance and innovation. It was at this point that Pete Hegseth interjected with his now-infamous remark. He confidently stated that Franklin, known for his inventions like the lightning rod and bifocals, was also the imaginative force behind a turtle character.
"He invented the turtle," Hegseth declared on air, referring to Benjamin Franklin. He elaborated, suggesting Franklin had devised the character as a pedagogical tool, "to teach kids lessons" about steady progress and determination.
This claim is, of course, entirely without historical foundation. The character 'Franklin the Turtle' is a beloved figure in children's literature and animation, but he was created by Canadian author Paulette Bourgeois and illustrator Brenda Clark in 1986. The character's name was a coincidence, not an homage to the 18th-century statesman and polymath.
Immediate Fallout and Online Reaction
The reaction on social media and beyond was swift and merciless. Critics, historians, and amused members of the public quickly flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to correct the record and share their disbelief.
Many users posted side-by-side comparisons of the real Benjamin Franklin and the animated turtle, highlighting the absurdity of the confusion. The gaffe was seized upon as a symbol of a worrying trend of historical misinformation or a simple lack of basic knowledge in public discourse.
Commentators noted that the error was particularly glaring given Hegseth's platform and his frequent commentary on American values and history. The segment has been widely clipped and shared, ensuring its longevity as an internet meme and a point of reference in discussions about media accuracy.
Broader Implications for Media and Public Discourse
While the immediate reaction has been one of ridicule, the incident raises more profound questions. Analysts are debating whether this is an isolated, humorous mistake or indicative of a larger issue within certain media ecosystems where factual rigour can be secondary to narrative.
The "Franklin the Turtle" episode has become a cultural flashpoint. It underscores the ease with which false information, even of a seemingly trivial nature, can be amplified by major television networks. Furthermore, it highlights the challenge of combating historical misconceptions once they enter the public sphere through influential channels.
As of now, neither Pete Hegseth nor Fox News has issued a formal correction or statement addressing the on-air error. The silence has only fuelled further discussion and ensured that this peculiar blend of 18th-century history and 20th-century cartoon lore remains a topic of conversation and cautionary tale.
