A segment on Saturday Night Live drew attention over the weekend after a joke referencing assassination prompted applause from the studio audience during the program’s “Weekend Update” segment, as reported by Breitbart [1].
Cast member Michael Che delivered the remark while discussing President Donald Trump and his recent attendance at a performance of the musical “Chicago” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
During the segment, Che began by commenting on the president’s outing, saying he thought “that’s cool that the president is going to the theater.”
He then followed with the line, “What’s the worst that could happen?” The audience responded with applause and cheers.
DISGUSTING! SNL’s Michael Che just made a sick “joke” about President Trump getting ASSASSINATED.
“I think that’s cool the president is going to the theater. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?”
The crowd CHEERED like deranged animals. pic.twitter.com/SuMm1iEYkd [3]
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) April 5, 2026 [4]
The remark referenced the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, who was shot at Ford’s Theatre in April 1865 while attending a play. The historical reference was widely recognized as the basis for the joke delivered during the broadcast.
Che’s co-host on the segment, Colin Jost, also addressed comments involving the president. Jost referenced warnings directed at Iran regarding activity in the Strait of Hormuz and cited remarks attributed to the president.
Jost stated that the president warned Iran that unless they stop resisting and go ahead and open the Straits of Hormuz, he will “bring them back to the stone age where they belong.”
Responding to those remarks, Jost added, “In the spirit of Easter, let me just say: Jesus Christ!”
Weekend Update with Colin Jost and Michael Che! pic.twitter.com/m0GN1ZwvIQ [5]
— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) April 5, 2026 [6]
The exchange took place during the show’s regular “Weekend Update” segment, which typically features commentary on current events and political developments. The episode aired the day before Easter.
The moment gained attention following the broadcast, particularly due to the audience’s reaction to Che’s comment.
The segment included no further elaboration from the hosts regarding the historical reference or the reaction from the audience.
The show did not issue an immediate public statement regarding the segment.
The “Weekend Update” portion remains one of the most-watched recurring features of the program, often focusing on political topics and current events through comedic commentary.