President Donald Trump visited Las Vegas on Saturday to highlight his campaign promise to eliminate taxes on tips, emphasizing the policy’s significance to his allies in Congress, though he offered few specifics on how to turn the proposal into reality.
During his 40-minute speech to approximately 1,000 supporters in a casino ballroom, Trump focused primarily on celebrating his November election victory and touting the numerous executive actions he has taken since taking office on Monday.
“But I have to be honest with you, I’m really here for a different reason, I’m here to say thank you,” Trump told the crowd at Circa Resort & Casino after becoming the first GOP presidential contender to win Nevada since George W. Bush in 2004.
Trump’s visit to the Silver State aimed to deliver a message focused on the economy, according to aides who spoke to The Associated Press. He reiterated his commitment to hospitality industry workers by promising to eliminate the tax on gratuity income.
“We’re going to get it for you — ‘no tax on tips,’” Trump said.
After the rally, Trump walked through the Circa casino floor, passing by its purple-hued velvet tables, to chants of “USA, USA” from onlookers. At a roulette table, a player shouted, “Give me $47 on 47,” in honor of Trump being the 47th president. Trump groaned when the bet lost but continued to sign autographs as supporters cheered, the AP noted.
Though lacking in specifics, Trump’s remarks about eliminating taxes on tips served as a clear signal to Republicans in Congress that the proposal is a priority for the major tax package they plan to pass this year. Trump is scheduled to meet with House Republicans on Monday as they convene in Florida to strategize for the upcoming legislative session.
In Las Vegas, the 24-hour economy relies heavily on workers such as wait staff, valet parkers, hotel maids, and casino dealers, all of whom depend on tips. Nevada has the highest concentration of tipped workers in the nation, with approximately 25.8 waiters and waitresses per 1,000 jobs, followed by Hawaii and Florida.
Footage of Trump entering the casino spread quickly across social media sites, with one clip showing the president standing at what appeared to be a craps table, where he seemed to compliment a male player after he threw his dice.
“Prior to the surprise visit, Trump had addressed thousands of supporters at the Circa Resort & Casino in Sin City on Saturday afternoon. Photos and video show Trump strolling around the casino floor after the speech, while surrounded by security,” Fox News reported.
Reporters shouted questions at Trump — who has owned casinos himself — but a craps player scolded the press pool, telling them, “I’m rolling here.” Trump told the gambler that he was “doing a good job” before leaving.
Trump took a moment to thank staff members holding water trays shortly after delivering a speech centered on his “no tax on tips” campaign promise.
“Any worker who relies on tips [as] income, your tips will be 100% yours,” Trump said to a cheering audience during the speech.
“Nationwide, over four million workers depend on tip income, including an estimated 700,000 single moms…here in Nevada…think of it, a quarter of the typical restaurant workers’ pay comes from tips. I didn’t know that,” he added.
During his speech, Trump directly addressed Nevada Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, candidly asking him how significant the issue had been during the November election.
“You think that had an impact on the election?” Trump asked. “What, a half a point? It’s pretty big….nationwide over four million workers depend on tip income, including an estimated 700,000 single moms.”
“And here in Nevada…think of it, a quarter of the typical restaurant workers’ pay comes from tips. I didn’t know that,” Trump continued.
