Comedian Mike Epps recently said he is actually “glad” there has been a pause in food stamp assistance, and he took time to explain his controversial stance during an appearance on The Breakfast Club.

Speaking candidly on the radio show, the 54-year-old entertainer suggested that certain forms of government aid may be doing more harm than good to the very communities they are intended to support. According to Epps, long-term reliance on assistance programs can quietly create dependency and discourage personal responsibility.

“I told people when these food stamps and stuff get cut off, ‘Don’t worry about that,’” Epps said during the interview, which aired around the 41-minute mark. “Black people, we’ve been getting our stuff cut off forever. We’ve been getting our doors kicked in. This situation isn’t really for us.”

He went on to stress that people shouldn’t take reductions in benefits personally. In fact, he argued that cutting off some recipients could be necessary. “I’m actually glad they’re cutting some of these guys off food stamps,” Epps said, explaining that some individuals need to learn how to survive without assistance. “There’s a trickle-down effect when you stay dependent.”

Epps emphasized that his concern wasn’t only about losing benefits, but about the unhealthy lifestyle choices that can come with them. He claimed that easy access to assistance often leads to poor dietary habits, which then affect mental health and decision-making.

“You get the food stamps, then you buy food that gives you cancer,” he said. “You eat that food, now you’re unhealthy, unhappy, and walking around upset. Your diet is messed up, and I’m telling you the honest truth—bad diets have sent a lot of people to prison.”

When co-host Charlamagne Tha God joked that Epps’ comments would likely end up on Fox News and earn him the nickname “MAGA Mike,” the comedian was unfazed. He quickly dismissed the idea that he could be canceled over his opinion.

“They can’t say that about me,” Epps responded confidently. “Me and Boosie Badazz—we can’t be canceled.” As Charlamagne laughed and predicted backlash from social media, Epps doubled down, firing back with strong language and expressing his frustration with online outrage culture.

The interview aired amid national headlines surrounding the federal government’s decision to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown had temporarily disrupted assistance for millions of Americans who rely on the program.

According to CBS News, President Donald Trump signed legislation on Wednesday, November 12, funding SNAP through September 2026. The bill reinstated benefits for nearly 42 million people nationwide. States were instructed to resume distributing aid within 24 hours after the shutdown ended, although officials noted that the exact timing could vary depending on location.