Jimmy Fallon has joined the growing commentary around Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project after it was revealed that major tech companies were helping to fund the renovation.
The comedian addressed the controversial demolition during Thursday’s episode of “The Tonight Show,” where he touted the ballroom project as something “no one wants.”
“Yes, and get this, Trump just increased the estimated cost of his new ballroom by $100 million, for a total of $300 million,” Fallon said. “America says, ‘It’s nice to know that even the president can get ripped off on renovations.'”
However, it was the list of donors who helped bring Trump’s passion project to life that sparked real ire from Fallon. “Speaking of ballroom, I saw that the White House just released the list of donors who were giving money to the project,” the “Saturday Night Live” alum continued. “The Americans heard and were like, ‘Yeah, that’s still not the list of names we’re looking for. But you’re getting there. Closer. Give us the…'”
It appears Fallon was referring to Epstein’s elusive files, which are said to contain the deceased sex offender’s so-called client list. However, the Trump administration has downplayed the significance of these documents, calling them a mere “hoax.”
He added: “Some donors include Apple, Google and Microsoft. Although, when it comes to sponsoring a larger ballroom, you would think that Fruit of the Loom and MeUndies would be involved. Another donor is Hard Rock International. So, don’t be surprised when this [a giant guitar-shaped building] is the new east wing.
Fallon’s joke was a rare political turn for the late-night personality, after he said in September that “The Tonight Show” had “never really been that political.”
“We hit both sides equally, and we try to make everyone laugh, and that’s really how our show works,” Fallon said on CNBC at the time. “Our monologues are kind of the same ones we’ve been doing since Johnny Carson did ‘The Tonight Show.’
Watch Fallon’s full monologue below.
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC.
