Pentagon Accepts Qatar’s $400 Million Plane Bribe | Ana de Armas, Pom Klementieff, Jin | Wednesday, May 21

Summary

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Host: NBC Universal
• Description: The Tonight Show is the longest-running talk show on television and the #1 late-night program on digital platforms. Tune in weekday mornings (Tuesday-Friday) for the latest news from Jimmy’s monologue, extended interviews with celebrity guests, sketches, games, stand-up, and more.
• Episode: Pentagon Accepts Qatar’s $400 Million Plane Bribe | Ana de Armas, Pom Klementieff, Jin
• Release Date: May 22, 2025

---

Opening Monologue: Satirical Take on Current Events

Timestamp: 00:05 - 07:17

Jimmy Fallon kicks off the episode with his signature humor, tackling a series of topical issues with wit and satire. He begins by referencing the rare May Nor’easter hitting New York City, joking about "opening your grill to wash away all the beehives and spider webs from last year" as the city prepares for the Memorial Day weekend.

Fallon humorously critiques Airbnb’s new anti-party technology aimed at preventing disruptive bookings, quipping, “If that doesn't work, they're just going to send a guy into the House with an acoustic guitar” (00:05). He then shifts to political satire, addressing the Senate’s passage of the "No Tax on Tips Act." He mockingly celebrates, stating, “That’s fantastic news for the three people who actually report their tips to the IRS” (00:45).

A significant portion of the monologue focuses on former President Trump’s interactions with the Pentagon and international leaders. Fallon humorously narrates Trump’s involvement in accepting a $400 million jet from Qatar, dubbing it “Air Force One” and imagining Trump as a child eagerly waiting for the ice cream man: “The plane's here. I can hear the music. The plane's here” (01:30).

He continues with a fictionalized account of Trump’s meeting with the President of South Africa, highlighting Trump’s abrasive questions and the President’s witty retort with concert tickets: “How did you get rid of Elon? I did. How did you do it during the meeting?... I don’t have a plane to give you. Here are tickets to a Springsteen concert in New Jersey” (02:10).

Fallon also lampoons House Republicans’ attempts to pass Trump’s expansive legislative agenda, featuring exaggerated and humorous quotes from various Congress members, all ending with the punchline, “Well, my last name” (03:00). The segment culminates with a joke about an Australian man being arrested and thrown overboard for attempting to climb a cruise ship: “Security threw him overboard, they clutched his hands and said, I'll never let go” (04:00).

---

Interview with Ana de Armas: Spotlight on "Ballerina"

Timestamp: 07:17 - 11:27

Guest Introduction: Jimmy Fallon introduces Ana de Armas, an Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in Knives Out, Blonde, and No Time to Die. Ana is here to promote her latest film, Ballerina, set to release on June 6th.

Discussion Highlights:

• Promotion of "Ballerina":

  • Jimmy Fallon: “Congratulations on this movie... It’s the best ice cream in the world” (07:30)
  • Ana de Armas: Shares her enthusiasm, mentioning she already sampled some backstage treats: “I already had some backstage” (07:34)
  • Jimmy Fallon: Inquires about her training for the action-packed role, leading to Ana revealing months of combat training and the intensity of learning fight choreography: “It was a pretty extensive training... There was so much fighting, but it's a real deal” (08:09)

• Working with Keanu Reeves:

  • Jimmy Fallon: Teases about fighting Keanu Reeves, to which Ana responds with admiration: “He is a pro. He's beautiful at it... He gives you your time, and he's just... I’m coming for you” (09:04)
  • Ana de Armas: Reflects on her on-screen chemistry and friendship with Keanu, highlighting his professionalism and generosity on set.

• Character Development and Franchise Integration:

  • Ana de Armas: Describes Ballerina as an organic extension of the John Wick franchise, emphasizing the shift in perspective to her character, Eve: “We get to see this world through the eyes of someone that wants in” (10:26)
  • Discusses the emotional depth of her character amidst the high-octane action sequences, adding heart and humor to the narrative.

Jimmy Fallon praises Ana’s dedication and performance, affirming the film’s place within the beloved action universe: “Ballerina is in theaters June 6th. Stick around, everybody” (11:22).

---

Interview with Pom Klementieff: Adventures in Skydiving and Stunt Work

Timestamp: 12:33 - 18:04

Guest Introduction: Pom Klementieff, known for her role in the Mission: Impossible series, joins the show to discuss her latest projects and personal adventures, including an exclusive Vogue cover featuring her skydiving.

Discussion Highlights:

• Vogue Cover and Skydiving:

  • Jimmy Fallon: Compliments Pom’s unique Vogue cover, noting her skydiving pose: “I’ve never seen a Vogue cover with anyone skydiving before. Is this a first?” (12:58)
  • Pom Klementieff: Shares the backstory of her skydiving journey, initiated as a gift from Tom Cruise: “When I wrapped the movie, I said to Tom... he gifted me skydiving lessons” (13:07)
  • Jimmy Fallon: Plays on the action, stating, “As Tom Cruise does that” (14:06)

• Rodeo Jump Experience:

  • Pom Klementieff: Explains the intricacies of a rodeo jump, a synchronized skydiving maneuver: “It can be tricky because you're behind the person who wears the wingsuit... If you hold on more, the person in the wingsuit can lose consciousness” (15:15)
  • Jimmy Fallon: Reacts with amazement, highlighting the thrill and danger involved: “What happens if you don't work out? You just let go of each other” (15:50)

• Stunt Work in "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning":

  • Pom Klementieff: Discusses her extensive stunt training under stunt coordinator Wade Stewart, earning the nickname “Palm Cruise” in homage to Tom Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts: “I always ask him, like, teach me everything... Palm Cruise” (17:16)
  • Emphasizes the teamwork and safety measures on set, as well as her character’s evolution to display vulnerability and caregiving attributes: “I got to develop this character and show a side that is more vulnerable” (18:04)

Jimmy Fallon lauds Pom’s adventurous spirit and commitment to performing her own stunts, encouraging viewers to watch Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in theaters and IMAX: “The movie is massive. It is so fun. Go see it in theaters” (17:30).

---

Conclusion: Closing Remarks

Timestamp: 18:04 - 17:03

Jimmy Fallon wraps up the episode by thanking his guests, Ana de Armas and Pom Klementieff, for their time and insights into their respective films and personal endeavors. He reminds listeners to watch the featured movies and stay tuned for more exciting episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Jimmy Fallon: “I'm like, yeah, thank You, Tom Fire Emoji. He's the best.” (17:00)
• Pom Klementieff: “He's the best.” (17:03)

---

Key Takeaways:

• Ana de Armas provides an in-depth look into her role in Ballerina, highlighting the rigorous training and her dynamic with Keanu Reeves, enriching the John Wick universe with emotional depth and fresh perspectives.

• Pom Klementieff shares her thrilling experiences with skydiving and stunt work, emphasizing her dedication to performing her own stunts in the Mission: Impossible series and her adventurous spirit, exemplified by her unique Vogue cover.

• Jimmy Fallon maintains his humorous take on current events, blending satire with engaging conversations, creating an entertaining and informative episode for listeners.

---

Stay Connected: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for the latest episodes weekday mornings, available wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the show weeknights on NBC and stream it on Peacock.

Transcript

[Jimmy Fallon]

From Studio 60 in Rockefeller center in the heart of New York City, it's a Tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon. Tonight, join Jimmy and his guest Honor the army, Tom. Come Clementia and seek to see legendary Ruth Cruz, 2139. And now here he is giving Ran. Thank you very much. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy yourself. Welcome, everybody. Welcome, welcome. Welcome to the Tonight Show. Thank you for being here. Looking good. What a show we have for you tonight. Ana de Armas is here from Mission Impossible. Palm Clementieff is here. Well, guys, a rare May nor' Easter is expected to hit New York City ahead of the holiday weekend. But this is nice. If you open your grill now, it should wash away all the beehives and spider webs from last year. Yeah. With Memorial Day weekend almost here, I just saw that Airbnb just implemented their anti party technology that blocks certain bookings. And if that doesn't work, they're just going to send a guy into the House with an acoustic guitar. Of course, Airbnb customers are upset. Not enough to use verbo, but still upset. Some news from Washington. The Senate just passed the no Tax on Tips act, which would allow people to not pay taxes on cash tips. That's fantastic. That's fantastic news. That's fantastic news for the three people who actually report their tips to the irs. After it passed, Trump said, this is great news and also said, what are taxes? Trump said, from this day forward, we will not tax tips or $400 million private jets. That's it. Let's make a rule. Speaking of this, you guys see this? The Pentagon just officially accepted the 400 million dollar jet from Qatar for Trump to use as Air Force One. All day long, Trump had his face pressed up at a window like a kid waiting for the ice cream man to show up. The plane's here. I can hear the music. The plane's here. Meanwhile, today at the White House, Trump had a meeting with the President of South Africa. Trump asked some tough questions, like, how did you get rid of Elon? I'll tell you, I did. How did you do it during the meeting? This is real. Things got pretty heated and the President of South Africa actually said, I'm sorry, I don't have a plane to give you. And then to mess with Trump even more, he gave him tickets to see a Springsteen concert in New Jersey. Well, the big story in Washington is that House Republicans are trying to gather enough support to pass Trump's one big beautiful bill Act. Yeah, it's one giant bill containing a lot of the President's policies. And here's what members of the House said about the bill. First, Congressman Dale Strong said, I think we should pass this bill. The arguments in its favor are very, well, my last name. Then Congressman Jeff Hurd said, when Trump told us he wanted everything in one bill, I couldn't believe what I just well, my last name. Then Congressman Jared Huffman said, this bill is a disaster. Man makes me want to open a giant can of paint. And well, my last name. Wow. Then Congressman Chris d' Aluzio said, if Trump thinks he's getting everything he wants, he's Delulu or as Italians call it. Well, my last name. Then Congressman Jimmy Petronas said, passing this bill will take some magic. I'm about to whip out a wand and shout, expecto. Well, my last name. Congressman Tim Kennedy said, the whole thing makes me feel sick, but that could also be because I took medical advice from RF well, my last name. Junior. Then Congresswoman Lucy McBath said, We've all been working so McHard, I just want to go McHome and take a nice warm well, my last name. And Congressman Neil Dunn said, yeah, I'd rather be home watching reruns of Law and Order. I love hearing that chime that goes, well, my last name. My last name. And finally, Congressman Randy Fine said, if we all work together, I'm sure everything will be, well, okay. Didn't quite understand. He didn't get what was. And finally, this is wild. A man in Australia was just arrested after allegedly trying to climb onto a cruise ship. Yep. Before security threw him overboard, they clutched his hands and said, I'll never let go. Jack. We have a great show. Give it up for the Roots, everybody. Oh, what a show we have for you tonight. She's an Oscar nominee who's starring in the new movie Ballerina, which is the June 6th. Ana de Armas is here. She stars in the highly anticipated new movie Impossible the Final Reckoning, which is in theaters and IMAX. This Friday, Pom Klementieff is here. We'll be right back with more tonight too, everybody. Thank you, buddy. Our first guest is an Oscar nominated actor who you know from movies like Knives Out Blonde and no Time to Die. She stars in the new movie Ballerina, which will be in theaters June 6th. Everyone, please welcome Ana de Armas. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for dancing on in. It's great to see you.

[Ana de Armas]

I'm so happy to be here.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Welcome back. Welcome back.

[Ana de Armas]

Thank you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You know what I want? I can't wait. I want to talk about Ballerina Congratulations on this movie. Last time we were here, we were talking about your love of art ice cream. Our Ben and Jerry's tonight dough.

[Ana de Armas]

Yes.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And. Yeah, it's the best. It's the best ice cream in the world.

[Ana de Armas]

I already had some backstage.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Did you have some backstage?

[Pom Klementieff]

Yes.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Did you get.

[Ana de Armas]

Don't spoil me.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I was gonna ask you, though. Do you get to eat it while you're training and doing this big action movie where you're.

[Ana de Armas]

You shouldn't ask me this when I'm about to promote an action movie.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yes. You didn't.

[Ana de Armas]

On my, you know, the most painful nights. I did. I had to.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You did?

[Ana de Armas]

Yes.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I love you. You're the best. That was my.

[Ana de Armas]

Yes.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You're a real deal.

[Ana de Armas]

Yeah, I. It just made me happy.

[Jimmy Fallon]

This movie is Crusher. You are amazing in it. All the stunts, I mean, fantastic. I know. All the training. How many fight scenes did you have?

[Ana de Armas]

Oh, I have no idea. It was a pretty extensive training. Months of a lot of work, combat work, and learning all the guns and weapons that she uses in the movie. And then as soon as we're about to. This is like three, four months into it. And then the stunt team goes, oh, we're only halfway through learning the choreos. The rest. The rest we're gonna have to learn on set as we're shooting. It was. There was so much fighting, but it's a real deal.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I mean, this is. In the world of John Wick.

[Ana de Armas]

Yes. It's brutal.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah. So, I mean, I'm not spoiling anything, but you get to fight Keanu Reeves.

[Ana de Armas]

Yes, I do.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I mean, what do you do?

[Ana de Armas]

I'm a Yaga. I get.

[Jimmy Fallon]

What do you do when you realize you have to. Keanu Reeves.

[Ana de Armas]

Oh, my gosh. I was just so happy to be on set with KEANU Again after 10 years when we met for the first time, you know, when.

[Jimmy Fallon]

How long did you. You've done three films together.

[Ana de Armas]

Yeah, like, about. Yeah. This is our third film together. We met when we were shooting Knock Knock. And actually, the first time we met, we were at lunch, and he told us the story about the John Wick. Like, he had just wrapped the first John Wick.

[Jimmy Fallon]

No way.

[Ana de Armas]

Yes.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And he's like, I love the movie.

[Ana de Armas]

He literally. He got up from the chair in the middle of a restaurant and started doing one of the choreos in front of everybody. And I was like, well, he looks excited.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Is it. Is it fun? Is it almost like a dance move when you're fighting Keanu Reeves? I mean, he's A pro.

[Ana de Armas]

He is a pro. He's beautiful at it. But, you know, like, Keanu Reeves, he really is.

[Jimmy Fallon]

He's like a cart, like a comic book.

[Ana de Armas]

And this kind of movies. I mean, this is his happy place. This is what he likes to do. He loves rehearsing. He loves, like, you know, martial arts. Like, he's. He's. Yeah, he's the best, but so generous, too, when he goes to set and he knows you're trying to figure it out, so he gives you your time, and he's just, like, steps back, and he's never imposing anything. And then when you're ready, he's just, you know, I'm coming for you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, he's like, I'm coming for you.

[Ana de Armas]

Let's go.

[Jimmy Fallon]

So action packed.

[Ana de Armas]

It's crazy.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You've been in this business for a while now. You've done giant movies. I mean, James Bond, and you've done everything. Is your family psyched that you're actually now the lead? Lead, Lead? This is all about you. Are they like, yes, that's our girl.

[Ana de Armas]

They are. They're excited, but I have to kind of, like, remind them because it's always like, yeah, but Keanu is in it. Yeah, but Norman is in it. I'm like, I am in it.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I'm in it, but Daniel Craig is in it. Yeah, yeah, but I'm the other person in the scene.

[Ana de Armas]

Yeah. Yeah. You should have seen them with knives out, too. Like, it was too many people for them to even focus.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Look at it. Oh, my God. Well, Ballerina is set up between the third and fourth.

[Ana de Armas]

Third and fourth, John Wick. And it's really. It just felt to me right away like a very organic extension of the franchise. It's just really cool that now we just turned the perspective and everything is from Eve's point of view, and we get to see this world, you know, through the eyes of someone that wants in. When John Wick is all about getting out, she's just, like, wants in. And it's very emotional, too. Like, all the action that was on the page is really awesome, but the character is just. There's so much heart in it, too.

[Jimmy Fallon]

There's heart in it. There's humor in it.

[Ana de Armas]

There is humor in it, for sure.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It's beautifully shown.

[Ana de Armas]

Yes. That is beautiful.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Come on. That is so fun. Out of the Harvest, everybody. Ballerina's in theaters June 6th. Stick around, everybody. All the rappers try to stop me but I won't stop all the rappers try to stop me but I won't stop well, I'm a shot. Our next guest is a talented actress who you can see in the highly anticipated new movie Impossible the Final Reckoning, which is in theaters and IMAX this Friday. Everyone, please welcome Pom Clementia Palm. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome to the Tonight Show. Thank you for being here. Pom, I gotta say, look at this cover of Vogue. Are you kidding me? This is. This is gorgeous.

[Pom Klementieff]

Wait, did you see the inside, too?

[Jimmy Fallon]

No.

[Pom Klementieff]

Oh, yeah. It's like a triple cover.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Oh, really?

[Pom Klementieff]

So inside I'm actually diving.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Oh, my God.

[Pom Klementieff]

And inside, look at this expression.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I mean, look at who is cooler than you. But this is crazy. I've never seen a Vogue cover with anyone skydiving before. Is this a first?

[Pom Klementieff]

I think so.

[Jimmy Fallon]

That's amazing.

[Pom Klementieff]

I mean, it was very special to me.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You have to frame this. This is unbelievable. I'd be so afraid of this. How long have you been skydiving?

[Pom Klementieff]

I actually learned in October 2021, because it's when I wrapped Impossible Dead Reckoning.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Which wasn't that long ago.

[Pom Klementieff]

No, it was not a long time ago. So it was a gift from Tom, actually. So when I wrapped the movie, I said to Tom, I would love to learn how to skydive. Where should I go? Do you have any advice? And he said, let me think about it. I'll come back to you. And then the day after, he said, palm, I want to gift you one of your rap gifts. The lessons to learn how to skydive and to get your a license, which is 25 jumps.

[Jimmy Fallon]

25 jumps. Then you get your license after 25 jumps.

[Ana de Armas]

Yes.

[Pom Klementieff]

And the last two, I think, is good enough. The last day, he came to where I was skydiving and we did nine jumps together.

[Jimmy Fallon]

With Tom?

[Pom Klementieff]

Yeah, with friends. With skydiving friends. And we did a high altitude jump. And then when we were done, he flew his own plane back home. Of course, as Tom Cruise, he does that.

[Jimmy Fallon]

As Tom Cruise does that. Here's a pic of you skydiving. Here, look at this. One of your most recent jumps. That's insane.

[Pom Klementieff]

This would be good on a dating app. No, I sent it to some men and they're scared of me now. They don't want to talk to me. I don't think it works, actually.

[Jimmy Fallon]

How many jumps have you done now?

[Pom Klementieff]

Okay, as of today, 233 jumps.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Huh? What are you talking about?

[Pom Klementieff]

Everything is relative. I jump with people who have like thousands and thousands of jumps. So for them, I'm like a baby skydiver. But for you guys, I guess, you know, it's cool.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, it's very cool. You brought us video of you doing something exclusive for us, something called a rodeo jump. Before we see it, can we explain what is a rodeo jump?

[Pom Klementieff]

Okay. So it's funny because I love horses, and I love riding horses and rodeo. I love that whole world. And someone on the drop zone said, hey, Pam, do you want to do a rodeo? And I was like, what is a rodeo? And he said, it's when you ride someone who wears a wingsuit. I'm like, oh, that sounds fun.

[Jimmy Fallon]

So the wingsuit is like that, like, flying squirrel type of album.

[Pom Klementieff]

Squirrel suit. Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

So they jump out first, and then you hop on them.

[Pom Klementieff]

No, no, no. You have to be in sync. So I tried a few times, and it can be tricky because you're behind the person who wears the wingsuit. And if you spiral for a little while and you go back to stable, normal, but you have to count 10 seconds in your head, because if you hold on more, the person in the wingsuit can lose consciousness. It can be very dangerous. And so you have to count 10 seconds in your head, and once you're stable, you're good. So we tried a few times, and I was spiraling. Didn't work out.

[Jimmy Fallon]

What happens if you don't work out? You just let go of each other.

[Pom Klementieff]

Yeah, you just let go, and then you do your normal landing. So this one time, actually, we succeeded two times because it's a teamwork, you know. Thank you, Robin. The person that I was riding.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah.

[Pom Klementieff]

And so you exit, you know, the plane together. You're, like, behind, like a little animal, like, attached to his parachute rig.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yes.

[Pom Klementieff]

And then. And then it just spirals a little bit, or you just like, oh. And then you go back to just flat, you know, and then it's really fun because, you know, you have the parachute rig between your knees, so you can really maneuver like a motorcycle with your knees, and it's like flying a dragon. It's amazing. I mean, I've never flown a dragon, but I would love to do that.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Baby steps. Baby steps.

[Pom Klementieff]

You know, it's funny because it feels like you're on a magic carpet.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah.

[Pom Klementieff]

And I sent the video to Tom and McHugh, and they were shooting Mission Impossible, this movie, the Final Reckoning, and they were like, oh, congratulations. And they showed it to the whole. To the whole crew. So that was amazing. That's also why I skydived to send the videos to Tom. And then he's like, congratulations, fire emoji.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I'm like, yeah, thank You, Tom Fire Emoji. He's the best.

[Pom Klementieff]

He's the best.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And I read somebody that you want to do all of your own stunts if you can, and that you go around and you want to get trained from the best, which is the best. Who trained you on Mission Impossible?

[Pom Klementieff]

So Wadey Stewart, the stunt coordinator, is incredible, and he's worked on many Impossible movies, and he keeps us safe, and we take the time to learn. And, you know, I always ask him, like, teach me everything. I want to learn everything. And. Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And then he gave you the nickname Palm Cruise. Palm Cruise. Palm Cruise. I love it.

[Pom Klementieff]

Yeah. I mean, I take it as a compliment. It's funny because I was in the stunt gym rehearsing. I was like, I want to do everything. Teach me everything. And he said, ok, Palm Cruise.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Ah, that's so good. The movie is massive. It is so fun. Go see it in theaters. Go see it in IMAX if you can. Can we set up? What do we set up? What's going on with your character in Mission Impossible the Final Reckoning?

[Pom Klementieff]

For me, it was really special because, of course, I. I spent years working with these people, you know, five years between this one and the previous one. And, you know, I created strong bonds with them, but I didn't get to share a lot of scenes with a lot of characters, you know, in the previous movie. So this one I got to share scenes with Simon Pegg and, you know, I joined the team. So, you know, I got to develop this character and show a side that is more vulnerable and more, you know, that has to take care of other people instead of destroying them and killing them.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You're fantastic. Tom Comet, everybody. Mission Impossible the Final Reckonings in theaters and IMAX this Friday. Stick around, everybody. Come on back. My thanks to Ana de Armas. Tomatieff. Good night, everybody. Thank you. Thanks for listening to the Tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon. Don't forget to subscribe to get the latest episodes weekday mornings, wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the Tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon weeknights on NBC and streaming on Peacock.