Michael Che Blasts 'Fed Up' SNAP Freeze & Racist AI Videos

Saturday Night Live's Michael Che isn't holding back, using his platform to express serious outrage over the federal government's food stamp cutoff and the disturbing rise of racist, AI-generated misinformation.

TL;DR: Here's the Scoop

Michael Che took to Instagram to call the federal SNAP benefits freeze "really fed up" and criticized racist videos targeting Black families.
He shared his personal experience growing up with food assistance, emphasizing the real struggles behind it.
The SNAP freeze, affecting over 40 million Americans, is a direct result of the ongoing government shutdown, complicated by legal battles and the spread of AI-generated misinformation.

Michael Che's Raw Take on the SNAP Freeze

Hours before he was set to co-anchor Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live, Michael Che dropped a powerful message on Instagram. Known for his sharp wit and unfiltered commentary, Che swapped humor for raw honesty to address the federal government's decision to halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, often known as food stamps.

"This snap freeze is really fcked up," Che wrote on November 1, 2025. His post quickly went viral as he condemned not only the policy but also the "racist videos celebrating (mostly black) families not being able to buy groceries." He pointed out the frustrating double standard: "This country is built on greedy motherfckers taking shortcuts and gaming the system to their benefit, but for some reason, when poor people find a way to turn a nickel into a dime, they're judged more severely, especially blacks."

A Personal Connection to Food Assistance

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What made Che's message resonate even more was his deeply personal reflection. He revealed his own history with food assistance programs, adding a layer of empathy and experience to his critique.

"I grew up on free cheese and powdered milk and waiting for your friends to leave the store so they won’t see me pay with stamps.. that sht ain't as glamorous as it sounds. I promise."

— Michael Che, Instagram

This candid admission highlighted the often-unseen struggles and stigmas faced by families relying on such programs, urging his followers to "draw the line at feeding the poor" and unite instead of engaging in divisive online arguments.

Understanding the Government Shutdown and SNAP Suspension

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The SNAP benefits freeze, which officially began on November 1, 2025, is a direct consequence of a month-long federal government shutdown that started on October 1. The Trump administration initially claimed that billions in contingency funds, usually set aside for SNAP, were "not legally available." This decision by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) left over 40 million Americans in limbo, facing the immediate loss of crucial food assistance.

However, the situation quickly became a legal battlefield. Two federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the administration is legally required to tap into the $6 billion in available contingency funds to continue paying out benefits. While President Trump stated it would be his "honor to provide the funding," his administration requested further guidance from the courts, creating frustrating delays that could leave recipients without benefits for weeks.

The Disturbing Rise of AI-Generated Misinformation

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Adding another layer of complexity to this already dire situation is the widespread circulation of "racist videos" online. These clips, many of which targeted Black individuals, purported to show SNAP recipients "gaming the system" or complaining about the cuts.

Shockingly, many of these videos were not real. Reports indicate that a significant number were generated using advanced AI tools like OpenAI's Sora 2 video generator, specifically designed to perpetuate racist stereotypes about people receiving welfare. Fox News, for example, initially ran an article with a misleading headline about "SNAP beneficiaries threaten[ing] to ransack stores" but later corrected it after learning the videos were AI-generated.

Politicians also jumped on the bandwagon. Louisiana congressman Clay Higgins falsely claimed that SNAP families receive $4,200 annually and told them to "stop smoking crack" if they couldn’t manage their budgets. In reality, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates the average benefit is around $188 per person per month, or just about $6.17 per day. With food prices soaring by over 23 percent since 2020, this amount barely covers basic necessities.

The Real-World Impact on Communities

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The consequences of the SNAP freeze, coupled with the spread of misinformation, are devastating for vulnerable populations. Food pantries across the country are reporting an unprecedented surge in demand. In Che's hometown of New York City, one food pantry saw an additional 200 people line up for basic necessities on a single Saturday, a stark reminder of the human cost behind political stalemates.

Che isn't the only celebrity to speak out. Earlier in the year, A-listers like Scarlett Johansson, Matt Damon, and Kristin Chenoweth signed an open letter protesting the Trump administration's proposed "Big Beautiful Bill," which aimed to slash SNAP and Medicaid funding, highlighting a broader concern within Hollywood about these vital social safety nets.

Catch Michael Che on Tonight's Saturday Night Live

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Despite his serious social commentary, Michael Che will be back in his usual spot tonight alongside Colin Jost at the Weekend Update desk. It's the fourth episode of SNL's 51st season, featuring host Miles Teller and musical guest Brandi Carlile. While the show is known for its humor, Che’s recent comments are a powerful reminder that sometimes, the news is no laughing matter.

Frequently Asked Questions About SNAP and SNL

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When did the SNAP benefits freeze officially begin? The suspension of SNAP benefits officially began on November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Is Saturday Night Live airing tonight with Michael Che? Yes, Saturday Night Live's fourth episode of its 51st season is scheduled to air tonight with Michael Che co-hosting Weekend Update alongside Colin Jost.
What are SNAP benefits? SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families, helping them to buy groceries.
Were the "racist videos" celebrating the SNAP freeze real? No, the majority of the "racist videos" circulating online, which purported to show SNAP recipients misusing benefits, were reportedly AI-generated using tools like OpenAI's Sora 2 video generator.