Donald Trump to Double Down on Tax-Free Tip Pledge for Las Vegas Casinos Upon Return

As the political landscape shifts following the 2024 election, the excitement in Southern Nevada is reaching a fever pitch. As the political landscape shifts following the 2024 election, the excitement in Southern Nevada is reaching a fever pitch, drawing massive attention to the world-renowned Las Vegas casinos. Circa Las Vegas is set to host President Donald Trump, welcoming him back to the region for the first time since he turned the Silver State red and secured his position as the 47th commander-in-chief.

Donald Trump campaigns in Las Vegas ahead of the Nevada Primary and Caucus on Jan. 27, 2024. Trump will return to Southern Nevada for the first time as the 47th president tonight, Jan. 24, 2025. (Image: Shutterstock)

The President’s Visit to Circa Resort & Casino

Trump departed the White House Friday morning for Andrews Air Force Base where he traveled to hurricane-ravaged western North Carolina. After meeting with families affected by September’s Category 4 Hurricane Helene, Air Force One will depart Asheville Regional Airport for Los Angeles International where the president will tour the Pacific Palisades and other neighborhoods impacted by the wildfires.

From there, the former casino tycoon will fly to Harry Reid International and spend the night at his Trump International Hotel, which his real estate empire jointly owns with billionaire Phil Ruffin. On Saturday, Trump will head downtown to Circa Resort & Casino, Fremont Street’s marquee property that opened in late 2020.

The Campaign Pledge

Trump will hold a rally at Circa where he’s expected to double down on his campaign pledge to lift federal taxes on tips. Trump said previously he’s going to Las Vegas to thank Nevadans for delivering him the state’s six Electoral College votes.

Nevada is a key swing state, as voters there have correctly predicted the outcome of 11 of the previous 12 presidential elections. The lone exception was in 2016 when Trump upset Hillary Clinton.

The Culinary Union and Trump’s Pledge

As expected, the Culinary Union campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris (after initially supporting President Joe Biden’s reelection until he dropped out) and urged its approximately 60K members in Las Vegas and Reno to vote blue. That was no surprise, as the casino and hospitality trade group hasn’t endorsed a Republican presidential candidate in decades.

Despite being told to vote for Harris, many union members voted for Trump. Last June, the 45th and now 47th president pledged during a Las Vegas rally that he would instruct the IRS to stop considering tips as taxable income if elected.

The Pledge Resonated with Hospitality Workers

The pledge resonated with many hospitality and gaming workers, prompting Harris to copy the campaign statement the following month with her own guarantee that gratuities would no longer be subject to federal taxes.

Harris has no imagination,” Trump said after hearing that Harris would also cancel the tax on tips. “She played ‘copycat.’”

Trump’s Performance in Nevada

Trump was the first Republican since George W. Bush in 2004 to win over 50% of the Nevada vote. In Clark County, home to Las Vegas, Trump won 47.8% of the vote to Harris’ 50.4%. Trump’s performance, however, was 3.5% better than in 2020, and 5.8% stronger than he fared in 2016.

Circa Host Derek Stevens

Trump holding his Saturday rally at Circa comes as a bit of a surprise, as he has many billionaire casino friends in town with lavish properties. Along with his and Ruffin’s Trump International, Trump is close with Tilman Fertitta, who owns the Golden Nugget downtown and has been tapped by Trump to become the US ambassador to Italy.

Circa is owned by downtown visionary Derek Stevens, whose empire also includes The D and Golden Gate. Stevens isn’t nearly as political as Ruffin or Fertitta. Stevens did donate $6,600 to US Rep. Dina Titus’ (D-Las Vegas, Henderson) reelection campaign, but also gave $3K to Republican candidate Drew Johnson’s unsuccessful 2024 bid to unseat Rep. Susie Lee (D-Las Vegas) from Congress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, President Donald Trump’s return to Las Vegas marks a significant moment in his presidential campaign. With his pledge to lift federal taxes on tips, Trump aims to win over the hearts of Nevada’s hospitality workers and voters alike. As we look ahead to the 2024 election, one thing is clear: only time will tell if Trump can deliver on this promise.

Key Facts About Tax-Free Tips

• Tips are currently considered taxable income under federal law.
• The Culinary Union has urged its members to vote for candidates who support lifting the tax on tips.
• President Donald Trump has pledged to instruct the IRS to stop considering tips as taxable income if elected.
• Nevada is a key swing state in presidential elections, with voters correctly predicting the outcome of 11 of the previous 12 elections.

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