Conservative Leader's Controversial Defense of Airstrikes That Killed Iranian Children
American Conservative Union Chairman Matt Schlapp has ignited fierce controversy by defending lethal airstrikes that killed approximately 175 people at an Iranian girls' school over the weekend, predominantly children under twelve years old. During Wednesday's episode of "Piers Morgan: Uncensored," Schlapp made the staggering assertion that while the schoolgirls would still be alive if the United States and Israel had not attacked Iran, they would "be alive in a burqa."
Heated Debate Over Responsibility for School Bombing
The discussion emerged when panelist Peter Beinart, journalist and editor-at-large at Jewish Currents, challenged supporters of the military action. "I would like you Piers, if you could, to get one of the parents of those 175 children who were killed in that school that the United States or Israel bombed in southern Iran, and ask people who support this war, to say to them, that this was worth it," Beinart stated forcefully.
Morgan initially contended that responsibility for the missile striking the educational facility remained unclear. Beinart countered this argument directly, emphasizing that "even if it was an Iranian missile that was fired in response to the attack from Israel and the United States, right, even if it was an Iranian missile, those girls would still be alive today if the United States and Israel had not launched the attack."
Schlapp's Interjection and Immediate Backlash
It was at this critical moment that Schlapp interjected with his now-infamous remark about the burqa. The right-wing panelist interrupted Morgan to make the callous comment, which was largely drowned out by repeated objections from the host. Schlapp proceeded to audibly condemn Iran as "a barbaric society" before Morgan managed to continue the conversation.
Critics have vehemently criticized Schlapp for multiple aspects of his statement:
- Failing to distinguish between the Iranian regime and its civilian population
- Incorrectly asserting that women in Iran generally wear burqas, when most wear hijabs
- Showing apparent disregard for the tragic loss of young lives in the conflict
Background on Schlapp and Broader Debate Context
Schlapp, whose organization runs the influential Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), has faced previous controversies. In 2023, he was accused of sexual misconduct by GOP strategist Carlton Huffman, who claimed Schlapp had groped him without consent—allegations Schlapp denied. Huffman eventually dropped his lawsuit, but The Washington Post reported additional accusations from 2017 and 2022 involving unwanted advances during CPAC business trips.
During the same debate, Beinart presented a broader argument against military engagement with Iran, questioning the allocation of resources. "You think you can go to the American people who can see that this country has desperate [needs] — we don't give our people health care, we have a deteriorating infrastructure, people are suffering — and say, 'This is the best of our money?'" he challenged, noting that billions are being spent to attack a country he argued poses no genuine threat to American security.
Widespread Condemnation and Social Media Reaction
Schlapp's comments have provoked widespread condemnation across social media platforms, with critics describing his remarks as offensive, dehumanizing, and factually inaccurate. The controversy emerges amid escalating tensions in the region following Saturday's preemptive bombing of Iran by the Trump administration, which triggered retaliatory strikes from Iran against surrounding Gulf States.
The tragic incident at the girls' school represents one of the most devastating single events in the ongoing conflict, raising profound ethical questions about civilian casualties and the human cost of military escalation. As debates continue about responsibility for the attack and appropriate policy responses, Schlapp's comments have added a particularly contentious dimension to the discussion about values, rhetoric, and accountability in international conflicts.
