Michael Che Slams SNAP Benefit Cuts & Reveals Harsh Truths

SNL's Michael Che isn't holding back, calling out the recent SNAP benefit freeze and the racist, AI-generated videos fueling harmful narratives.

TL;DR

• Michael Che took to Instagram and "Weekend Update" to condemn the SNAP benefits freeze.
• He highlighted racist, AI-generated videos spreading misinformation about recipients.
• Che shared his own experience with food assistance, emphasizing the real struggles families face.

Michael Che's Instagram Outcry Against the "Really Fed Up" SNAP Freeze

You know Michael Che for his sharp wit and often edgy humor on "Weekend Update." But on November 1, 2025, the SNL co-anchor got seriously real, ditching the punchlines for a raw and personal message on Instagram. He called the current SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) freeze "really fed up" and didn't mince words about what he was seeing online.

Che specifically pointed out a disturbing trend of "racist videos celebrating (mostly black) families not being able to buy groceries." He challenged the "weird idea" that because some people might misuse welfare, no one should receive help. He argued that America was "built on greedy motherfrs taking shortcuts and gaming the system to their benefit," yet poor people, especially Black individuals, are "judged more severely" for trying to "turn nickel into a dime."

"I grew up on free cheese and powdered milk and waiting for your friends to leave the store so they wont see me pay with stamps.. that sht aint as glamorous as it sounds. I promise." — Michael Che

His post ended with a powerful plea: "I kno the whole hustle is to hate each other here so we can fight in the comments and up our engagements. But lets draw the line at feeding the poor." He backed this up by sharing his own childhood experience growing up with food assistance, reminding everyone that it's "ain't as glamorous as it sounds."

Understanding the Government Shutdown and Its Devastating Impact on SNAP

So, what exactly prompted Che's impassioned statement? It all boils down to the ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, and has now become the second-longest in American history. As a direct result, funding for SNAP benefits "ran dry," leading to a complete halt in payments starting November 1, 2025.

This isn't just a minor inconvenience; we're talking about 42 million Americans who rely on these benefits to put food on their tables. The Trump administration initially claimed that emergency reserve funds weren't "legally available" to cover November's benefits and said they'd only fund the program if given "the appropriate legal direction."

Thankfully, two federal judges stepped in, ruling that the government could not suspend SNAP benefits and demanded updates on funding restoration by Monday. However, the administration has reportedly been stalling, requesting further guidance on how to disburse the funds, creating more uncertainty and hardship for vulnerable families. The impact is immediate and dire: food pantries across the country, especially in Che's hometown of New York City, are seeing significantly longer lines, with one reporting 200 more people than usual seeking basic necessities.

To make matters worse, the USDA website itself displayed a notice not only stating that benefits would not be issued but also repeating controversial "MAGA talking points," blaming "Senate Democrats" and linking funding to "healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures."

The Alarming Spread of AI-Generated Misinformation and Public Reaction

Adding fuel to the fire Che addressed are the countless viral videos circulating online, supposedly showing SNAP recipients "gaming the system" or complaining about losing their benefits. The shocking truth? Most of these clips are completely fabricated, generated using OpenAI's Sora 2 video tool. These AI videos were specifically designed to play into racist stereotypes, almost exclusively featuring Black individuals, and were quickly seized upon by conservative commentators as "proof" of undeserving welfare recipients.

For example, Fox News contributor Brett Cooper posted a video, reacting to one of these fakes by saying, "This is insane. You're telling me that it is my responsibility to make sure that your children are fed?" GOP congressman Clay Higgins even claimed the average SNAP family receives $4,200 a year and told recipients to "stop smoking crack" if they couldn't budget properly. The reality? A report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities states the average benefit is just $188 per person per month, or about $6.17 per day – a far cry from Higgins' figure, especially with food prices having risen by more than 23 percent since 2020.

Even Fox News itself got caught in the misinformation trap. They initially published an article with a headline about "SNAP beneficiaries threaten[ing] to ransack stores over government shutdown" based on these AI videos. They later changed the headline to "AI videos of SNAP beneficiaries complaining about cuts go viral" and added an editor's note acknowledging the correction.

From Instagram to "Weekend Update": Che's Pointed Humor

Che didn't stop at Instagram. He brought his powerful message to the "Weekend Update" desk on November 2, 2025, albeit with his characteristic dark humor. He kept it succinct, delivering a joke that hit hard:

"Due to the government shutdown, SNAP food benefits ran out of funds today, but the government still provides needy families with free food through the Second Amendment," he stated, as a graphic of a gun flashed on screen. The audience's reaction was a mix of loud laughs and audible winces, a clear sign the heavy message landed.

While the rest of that "Weekend Update" segment featured other memorable moments, like Bowen Yang's hilarious return as George Santos (claiming to have won the NYC marathon and the World Series, and robbed the Louvre) and a surprisingly romantic bit about the shutdown between Ashley Padilla and Andrew Dismukes, Che's opening joke about SNAP was a stark reminder of the real-world issues bubbling beneath the surface of the show's comedy.

Why Michael Che's Stance Against Food Insecurity Matters So Much

It's not every day a comedian drops the jokes to deliver such a raw and personal take on a deeply political and humanitarian crisis. Michael Che's willingness to share his own experiences with food assistance, coupled with his blunt criticism of the SNAP freeze and the racist misinformation surrounding it, amplifies the voices of millions who are directly impacted.

His comments resonate with many, including fellow comedians like Kenan Thompson and Wanda Sykes, who voiced their support on his Instagram post. Beyond SNL, other Hollywood stars, including Scarlett Johansson, Matt Damon, and Kristin Chenoweth, have also signed open letters opposing cuts to vital programs like SNAP and Medicaid, underscoring a broader concern across the entertainment industry for the well-being of vulnerable populations. When a public figure like Che speaks out, it forces a conversation, shedding light on systemic issues and reminding us all to "draw the line at feeding the poor."

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Che's Comments and SNAP Benefits

When did the SNAP benefits freeze begin? The suspension of SNAP benefits officially began on November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing government shutdown. How many Americans are affected by the SNAP cuts? Approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are affected by the funding cutoff. What is Michael Che's role on SNL? Michael Che is a co-anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment on NBC's Saturday Night Live and has also been a writer for the show since 2013, becoming co-anchor in 2014. Were the viral videos about SNAP recipients real? No, the numerous viral videos claiming to show SNAP recipients "gaming the system" or complaining about losing benefits were largely fake, generated using OpenAI's Sora 2 video tool and designed to play into racist stereotypes.

Sources

• The Daily Beast
• BuzzFeed News
• Deadline
• The Hollywood Reporter
• Bleeding Cool
• Comedynews.com
• Decider
• Bassyonni