LAS VEGAS — On Saturday, President Donald Trump made a spirited appearance in Las Vegas to highlight his campaign commitment to abolish taxes on tips. Although he emphasized the significance of this initiative to his congressional allies, he did not provide specific plans on how to implement this promise.
During a 40-minute address to around 1,000 supporters in a casino ballroom, Trump focused on celebrating his past electoral victory, criticizing the Biden administration, and promoting the many executive actions he enacted since assuming office.
“I’m really here for a different reason, I’m here to say thank you,” Trump expressed to his audience at Circa Resort & Casino. This rally marked his first venture into a swing state after taking office. Trump reflects on his victory in Nevada, where he secured its six electoral votes, becoming the first Republican to do so since George W. Bush in 2004. November’s election victory was instrumental in helping Trump claim the presidency for a second, non-consecutive term.
According to aides, the purpose of Trump’s Nevada visit was to deliver an “economically-focused message” aimed at hospitality workers. He reiterated his commitment to remove the tax on gratuity income, a mission he has endorsed throughout his 2024 campaign.
“Get ready for it — ‘no tax on tips,’” Trump declared from behind a podium bearing the slogan. After his speech, he walked through the casino floor, receiving cheers from visitors chanting, “USA, USA.” At a roulette table, one player exclaimed, “Give me $47 on 47,” paying homage to Trump as the 47th president. Although he experienced a losing throw, Trump charitably signed autographs as supporters cheered.
While Trump’s remarks about tax issues lacked specific details, they sent a clear message to Republican lawmakers in Congress regarding the priority of this proposal as they work on a large tax package this year. Trump plans to meet with House Republicans in Florida on Monday to discuss strategies moving forward.
Speaker Mike Johnson has been working diligently to advance the tax package and has invited Trump to speak during a joint session of Congress on March 4, in line with the traditional first address of new presidents before they deliver a State of the Union in their second year.
Trump’s remarks about taxes resonate particularly well in Nevada, where discussions about gratuities and their taxation are especially relevant. The President initially presented his idea for tax elimination during a rally in Las Vegas last June, a move subsequently emulated by his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.
According to estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 2.24 million restaurant servers nationwide, many of whom rely heavily on tips for their earnings. In Las Vegas, the robust economy is supported by various roles, from waitstaff and valet parkers to hotel maids and casino dealers—all of whom depend on tips for a significant portion of their pay. Notably, Nevada boasts the highest concentration of tipped workers, with around 25.8 waiters and waitresses per 1,000 jobs, followed closely by Hawaii and Florida.
Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union, which advocates for around 60,000 hospitality workers in Nevada, insists that Trump’s efforts “must not end” with just the elimination of tax on tips. “Abolishing taxes on tips and doing away with the $2.13 sub-minimum wage is fundamental,” Pappageorge remarked. He pointed out that many employers pay significantly less than the federal minimum wage, relying on tips to compensate for the shortfall.
Despite the tax-focused rhetoric, Trump’s Nevada rally primarily served as a summary of his first week in office. He recounted the executive orders signed and their anticipated impact.
“We’ve accomplished more in one week than most administrations have experienced in four years and we’re just getting started,” Trump claimed, asserting that his executive actions aim to reverse the significant setbacks inherited from previous administrations. He mentioned a broad freeze on new foreign aid, initiating a U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, and halting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government among other directives.
“We feel a light over our country,” Trump said. “Everyone does.”
