'Anything for votes': Trump's proposal to scrap taxes on tips at Las Vegas rally ignites online debate

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: In an attempt to woo the service workers in Nevada, a swing state, former president Donald Trump proposed he would seek an end to the taxation of tips if elected in November.

Speaking to his supporters at the scorching outdoor rally in Las Vegas on Sunday, June 9, the GOP presidential candidate declared his pledge on tips, adding to his promise of tax relief to middle-income workers and small enterprises.

"So 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 because when I get to office, we are going to not charge taxes on tips people (are) making," Trump said, according to Reuters.

Trump's rally in Las Vegas is his first large-scale event after his conviction in the New York hush money case last month.

Nevada's Culinary Union dismisses Donald Trump's promise to avoid taxes on tips

Donald Trump told the crowd that he would eliminate taxes on income from tips as the "first thing in office," adding he would ensure that Congress passed legislation to implement the change.

"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," the 45th president asserted.

According to current law, employees should report their income from tips, and ending this could increase the deficit.

The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 of Nevada did not welcome Trump's proposal, calling it a "wild campaign promise," CNN reported.

“For decades, the Culinary Union has fought for tipped workers’ rights and against unfair taxation," said the union's Secretary-Treasurer, Ted Pappageorge. “Relief is definitely needed for tip earners, but Nevada workers are smart enough to know the difference between real solutions and wild campaign promises from a convicted felon.”

Addressing the outdoor rally, where the temperature reached around 100 degrees, Trump also reiterated his sympathy toward the convicted rioters who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Labeling them "warriors", the former president claimed the January 6 defendants were only "protesting a rigged election."

The MAGA spearhead's active campaigning in the key battleground state is aimed at winning it in November, where President Joe Biden emerged as the victor in the previous presidential election.

Internet divided over Donald Trump's promise to eliminate taxes on tips

One camp of social media users deemed Trump's proposal an "empty promise", while another group welcomed it, noting the benefits it could offer a common worker.

One social media user wrote, "Anything for votes."

While another remarked, "Finally, some relief for hardworking Americans! Trump understands that every dollar counts, especially for those relying on tips. This move will put more money in the pockets of those who need it most."

"No he won't...like all of his other empty promises. Hope all those actors getting paid to attend today's rally are doing ok in the heat," claimed one person.

Another response read, "This is the type of thing that doesnt cost the employer anything but gets the common worker more money, unlike minimum wages which inevitably causes employers to shut down or layoff."

One individual said, "Wake up, Donald. Leave it alone and don't mess up tips for hard-working americans. Why don't you do something positive for America?"

On the other hand, another noted, "Huge for the people who live off of this tip money. Being able to keep all of this without being taxed will instantly make a big impact to the economy."

"Weird how he had the chance to pass that law, but never tried before—never even mentioned it. Almost like he’s pandering," read one remark.

Meanwhile, another person said, "Trump just won all the service people making tips. If Biden can forgive student loans, Trump can play the same game."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.