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Trump Credits Lombardo and ‘No Tax on Tips’ for Voter Boost in Nevada Victory Speech

In a rally victory lap, Trump celebrates his win and highlights policies aimed at boosting the state’s working class

President Donald Trump, fresh into his second term, took a victory lap in downtown Las Vegas, thanking Nevada voters for delivering a significant win in the state. Trump’s victory marks the first time since 2004 that a Republican presidential candidate has clinched Nevada, a state often considered a battleground for both parties. During the rally, Trump attributed much of his success to his policy promise of eliminating income tax on tips, a move that resonated with Nevada’s large workforce of tipped employees.

In a campaign stop that felt more like a victory celebration, Trump acknowledged the impact of Governor Joe Lombardo, who also played a role in the state’s red shift. He credited Lombardo for his support and for making the “no tax on tips” policy a key talking point in the campaign. The president noted the policy’s popularity, particularly in a state where a significant portion of restaurant workers’ income comes from tips.

“I just came here because I wanted to thank the people of Nevada for giving us such a big win,” Trump said to the cheering crowd. “A quarter of the typical restaurant worker’s pay comes from tips here in Nevada. That’s why I promised to eliminate the income tax on tips—because those workers deserve it.” Trump’s focus on the working class, especially tip earners who often struggle with low wages, seemed to resonate with voters.

The ‘No Tax on Tips’ Pledge: A Game Changer for Nevada Workers?

For many workers in Nevada, particularly those in the hospitality and service industries, tips form the backbone of their income. According to experts, approximately 2.5% of all U.S. workers rely on tips as a major source of income, and in Nevada, it can account for a substantial portion of a worker’s paycheck. With many of these workers earning too little to incur a tax liability, Trump’s promise to eliminate taxes on tips garnered attention from key voting groups.

Trump rally Las Vegas

Trump further emphasized the importance of his tax policy, noting that it directly affected around 700,000 single mothers in the U.S. who depend on tips. He raised the question to Governor Lombardo, asking if he thought this policy had a notable impact on the election. “Joe, do you think that had an impact on the election? Like, what a half a point?” Trump joked, before giving Lombardo a shoutout for his role in driving the policy’s success in Nevada.

In a state like Nevada, where tourism and hospitality are key sectors, Trump’s policy appeared to strike a chord with working-class voters. As restaurant servers, bartenders, and other service workers continue to deal with low base wages, the elimination of tip taxes promised a much-needed financial relief.

Impact Beyond Nevada?

While Trump credited the Nevada win to his focus on tipped workers, the “no tax on tips” policy may have broader implications for his 2024 campaign. In a nation where income inequality continues to rise, and working-class Americans are increasingly vocal about financial struggles, this policy offers Trump a way to tap into an often-overlooked demographic of voters.

The policy’s potential to sway working-class voters could be a critical asset in states with similar demographic trends. Nevada’s successful embrace of the policy could inspire other battleground states to focus on policies benefiting service workers who often feel neglected in traditional economic policy conversations.

Trump’s Early Term Actions: What’s Next?

As Trump celebrated his victory and laid out his policy priorities for the coming years, he also used the rally to reaffirm his commitment to reversing what he described as harmful policies set in place by the Biden administration. He listed several actions already taken in his first five days back in office, including withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization and sending military troops to the southern border to deal with what he termed an “invasion.”

Trump also touched on the issue of inflation, a significant concern for American families, promising quick action to relieve cost-of-living pressures. “On day one, I directed every member of my Cabinet to marshal all powers at their disposal to defeat inflation,” Trump said, emphasizing the need to eliminate “climate policies” that he argued only increase the costs of food and fuel.

Additionally, Trump highlighted key appointments, including the confirmation of former Fox News personality Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense and North Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. However, these appointments also faced opposition within the Republican Party, with some senators voting against Hegseth’s confirmation.

Looking Ahead: Tax Cuts and Legislative Challenges

Despite these actions, Trump acknowledged that some of his top priorities, including making his 2017 tax cuts permanent and eliminating taxes on tips, would require approval from Congress. These initiatives would likely face tough opposition from Democrats, particularly in the current political climate. However, Trump’s insistence on these issues underscores his ongoing commitment to policies designed to support working-class Americans, especially those in industries reliant on tips.

For Trump, Nevada’s support for his policies represents a crucial step in his bid for re-election. With his administration’s focus on tax relief for workers and efforts to reverse policies he perceives as detrimental to American economic interests, he appears poised to continue positioning himself as a champion for the American worker. However, whether these policies will resonate in other key states remains to be seen.

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