President Donald Trump made a visit to Las Vegas on Saturday to underscore his campaign commitment to abolishing taxes on tips, highlighting the importance of this policy to his congressional allies, although he provided limited details on how to implement the proposal.
During a 40-minute address to around 1,000 supporters in a casino ballroom, Trump primarily celebrated his victory in the November elections and promoted the various executive actions he has undertaken since assuming office on Monday.
“I must be candid with you; my primary purpose here is to express my gratitude,” Trump stated to the audience at Circa Resort & Casino, marking a historic moment as the first Republican presidential candidate to win Nevada since George W. Bush in 2004.
According to aides who spoke with The Associated Press, Trump’s visit to Nevada was intended to convey a message centered on economic issues. He reaffirmed his dedication to workers in the hospitality sector by pledging to eliminate taxes on gratuity income.
“We are going to make it happen — ‘no tax on tips,’” Trump declared.
Following the rally, Trump traversed the Circa casino floor, moving past its purple-hued velvet tables, as onlookers chanted “USA, USA.” At a roulette table, a player called out, “Give me $47 on 47,” in tribute to Trump being the 47th president. Although Trump expressed disappointment when the bet did not win, he continued to sign autographs as supporters cheered, as reported by the AP.
While his comments regarding the elimination of tip taxes lacked detailed plans, they clearly indicated to congressional Republicans that this proposal is a priority for the significant tax legislation they intend to advance this year. Trump is scheduled to meet with House Republicans on Monday as they gather in Florida to strategize for the forthcoming legislative session.
In Las Vegas, the economy operates around the clock and heavily relies on workers such as waitstaff, valet attendants, hotel maids, and casino dealers, all of whom depend on tips. Nevada boasts the highest concentration of tipped workers in the country, with approximately 25.8% of its workforce in this category.
Footage of Trump’s entrance into the casino rapidly circulated on social media platforms, with one video capturing the president at what seemed to be a craps table, where he appeared to commend a male player following his dice throw.
Before this unexpected visit, Trump had addressed a large crowd of supporters at the Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon. According to Fox News, images and videos depict Trump walking through the casino floor post-speech, accompanied by security personnel.
As reporters called out questions to Trump—who has a history of owning casinos—a craps player admonished the media, stating, “I’m rolling here.” Trump responded to the gambler by saying he was “doing a good job” before departing.
Shortly after his speech, which focused on his campaign promise of “no tax on tips,” Trump took a moment to express gratitude to staff members carrying water trays.
“Any worker who relies on tips as income, your tips will be 100% yours,” Trump declared to an enthusiastic audience during his address.
“Across the nation, over four million workers rely on tip income, including approximately 700,000 single mothers…here in Nevada…consider this, a quarter of the average restaurant worker’s earnings come from tips. I was unaware of that,” he remarked.
During his speech, Trump specifically addressed Nevada Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, openly inquiring about the significance of the issue in the context of the November election.
“Do you believe that had an impact on the election?” Trump questioned. “What, a half a point? That’s quite substantial….nationwide over four million workers depend on tip income, including an estimated 700,000 single moms.”
“And here in Nevada…consider this, a quarter of the average restaurant worker’s pay comes from tips. I was not aware of that,” Trump concluded.
