Former President Donald Trump pledged to eliminate taxes on tip wages at a rally in Nevada, a move that could significantly impact the service-heavy battleground state.
“This is the first time I’ve said this, and for those hotel workers and people that get tips, you’re going to be very happy,” he declared in Las Vegas. “When I get into office, we are not going to charge taxes on tips — on people making tips.”
Nevada’s economy thrives on tourism, particularly in the gambling and entertainment hubs of Las Vegas and Reno. Service industry unions, such as the Service Employees International Union, have a substantial presence in the state and rallied support against Trump prior to his visit.
President Joe Biden secured Nevada by just over 30,000 votes in 2020, but Trump is currently ahead by about five points in the RealClearPolitics voting average for this year’s election.
“We’re not going to [charge taxes on tip wages], and we’re going to do that right away, first thing in office,” Trump vowed. “It has been a point of contention for years and years and years. And you do a great job of service, you take care of people. And I think it’s going to be something that really is deserved.”
🚨New: President Trump has announced he will ask Congress to eliminate all taxes on TIPS for restaurant workers and hospitality workers.
Trump said, “When I get into office, we're not going to charge taxes on tips-people making tips.”
pic.twitter.com/GNMw1U1Mio— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) June 9, 2024
Earlier in the rally, Trump criticized the Democratic Party, accusing it of relying on open borders and high tax rates and alleging that they fabricate stories to win elections, specifically referencing the “suckers and losers” narrative occasionally mentioned by Biden.
He continued with a promise to cut taxes on Nevada’s service workers.
“Those people that have jobs in restaurants, whatever the job may be, a tipping job, we’re not going after them for taxes anymore,” Trump stated. “I announced that for the first time, first time I’ve brought it up, first time anyone has brought it up. I think it has never been brought up before, and I also think it’s very appropriate.”