LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — President Donald Trump spoke in Las Vegas Saturday about various topics, including his promise of a “no tax on tips” policy.
During the rally, which was held at Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas, the President mentioned South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s approval to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as secretary of Defense.
The President spoke about “no tax on tips,” telling the gathered crowd ironically that he was sure the policy “had no influence on the state.”
President Trump asked Gov. Joe Lombardo, who was present at the rally if he thought the policy affected the election. Trump won the election in November by 1.5% — or about 2 million votes. The president became the first Republican candidate since 2004 to win Nevada’s six electoral votes, besting Vice President Kamala Harris by about 46,000 votes.
Trump recounted meeting a waitress he encountered working at a restaurant at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas who he said first gave him the idea for the policy.
“I said, how are you doing? And she said, not great because they’re after me so viciously for tips,” said Trump. “And she said it’s terrible. You know, sir, you should have no tax on tips.”
Trump said the “no taxes on tips” policy would have widespread support. While he said the plan would be presented to Congress “very soon,” the President didn’t provide any further details about the proposal.
Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), joined Trump onstage to support the “no tax on tips” campaign.
“That’s why we’re here today,” Maietta said. “We stand with you to urge Congress to pass this proposal so that more than the 800,000 hotel workers […] can take home more of the pay that they earn every day.”
For his part, Ted Pappageorge, Culinary Union secretary-treasurer, released a statement welcoming the policy but adding that he believes it should go further.
“Republicans have made promises to lower the cost of living for Americans,” Pappageorge said. “Delivering on those commitments must start with meaningful action and they must work with Democrats to raise the sub-minimum wage, eliminate taxes on tips, and address corporate greed driving up prices on essential goods like food, gas, and housing.”
