Trump’s proposal is good news for hospitality and service industry workers to keep more cash in their pockets
President Donald Trump landed in Las Vegas after touring wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles, bringing with him a hot take that was impossible to ignore. While the wildfires were a tragedy, Trump’s focus shifted to something that could spark real change for working-class Americans — his push for no tax on tips.
Trump wasn’t just talking about big-picture policies — he was digging into issues that hit the pockets of everyday workers. And let’s not sugarcoat it — who hasn’t felt the pain of rising prices? Gas, eggs, and food were all digging into paychecks across the board. But Trump’s message resonated with the hard-working people of Southern Nevada, where tips make up at least 25% of many workers’ incomes, as mentioned by Trump.
But, of course, not everyone was buying into this plan. Enter Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford, who had his own version of no tax on tips legislation. While he was all for helping the workers who needed it most, he wasn’t blind to potential loopholes.
Horsford announced a bill that provides guardrails to ensure the benefit goes to the hard-working people who should benefit from this tax relief. He warned that Trump’s version might leave room for wealthy players to exploit the system.
He was referring to wealthy families who could simply give away a bunch of money and call it a tip. That is a valid concern. If Trump’s no tax on tips proposal passed without proper checks, deep-pocketed elites could walk away with a major windfall, leaving everyday Americans in the dust.
Let’s not kid ourselves, though. This was a conversation that was heating up fast and wasn’t going to cool down anytime soon. On January 25th, the Circa Resort and Casino hosted the much-anticipated rally. Doors opened at 9:30 a.m., with Trump’s speech set for 12:30 p.m. Those who showed up early were ready for a packed house, with around 2,000 people expected to attend. It was clear — no tax on tips was going to be the headline of the day.
So, was Trump truly listening to the people? Could no tax on tips be the turnaround workers in Nevada and beyond need? The answer is still up for debate, but one thing was certain — Trump wasn’t backing down. He was making waves, and whether people loved it or hated it, this was one policy that couldn’t be ignored.
What are your thoughts on Trump’s proposal to let service workers keep 100% of their tips? Do you consider tips as income or are they gifts? Comment below.