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Matt Schlapp Faces Backlash for Controversial Remarks on Iranian Deaths

3/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Matt Schlapp, head of the American Conservative Union, said Iranian schoolgirls killed in the airstrike are 'better off dead'.
The remark came during a U.S.–Israel bombing campaign with over 2,000 strikes in Iran and at least 175 deaths.
Critics, including Peter Beinart, argued the girls would be alive if the attacks had not occurred, with Schlapp's 'alive in a burka' claim adding to the controversy.

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Story summary

Matt Schlapp, head of the American Conservative Union, said Iranian schoolgirls killed in the airstrike are 'better off dead'.
The remark came during a U.S.–Israel bombing campaign with over 2,000 strikes in Iran and at least 175 deaths.
Critics, including Peter Beinart, argued the girls would be alive if the attacks had not occurred, with Schlapp's 'alive in a burka' claim adding to the controversy.