Trump labels Oval Office DoorDash delivery ‘a little tacky’ amid backlash

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said the White House food delivery involving DoorDash was “a little tacky,” as he addressed supporters in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 16, during a roundtable promoting his “no tax on tips” policy.

The comments came days after a McDonald’s delivery was arranged at the White House as part of a promotional push for the administration’s tipping tax proposal. The incident drew widespread online criticism, with some accusing the president of staging a political spectacle using a delivery worker.

Trump reflects on DoorDash delivery

Trump reflected on the episode while speaking to attendees, acknowledging concerns about how the moment appeared.

"It was a little bit of a, you know, I mean to be honest, it was a little tacky," he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

He added that such events are sometimes part of political messaging, even if they appear awkward to the public.

"When we do these things in politics - they're a little embarrassing, but we do them," he said.

The White House delivery involved Sharon Simmons, a DoorDash driver who has advocated for ending taxes on tips and previously testified before Congress about financial struggles linked to her husband’s medical treatment. The company later confirmed that the delivery and a $100 tip were coordinated to highlight the policy initiative.

Online backlash grows

The video quickly triggered backlash on social media, where critics argued that the event was designed for publicity rather than policy substance.

Some users said they were uncomfortable with the use of a worker as part of a staged moment, while others announced they would stop using DoorDash services in protest.

Comments circulating online described the episode as a “PR stunt,” with users questioning the ethics of involving private delivery workers in political messaging. Others defended the administration, arguing that the event highlighted real-world benefits for tipped workers.

DoorDash responded to the controversy, stating that the delivery was planned in coordination with the White House and was intended to support the administration’s proposed tax changes affecting tipped income.

The company emphasized that the driver’s participation was voluntary and linked to advocacy around the policy.

The controversy comes at a time when the administration is intensifying its messaging on economic relief measures, particularly those aimed at service industry workers who rely heavily on tips.

Trump, meanwhile, used the Las Vegas roundtable to highlight broader economic themes, including tax cuts and inflation concerns, while defending his administration’s handling of consumer prices.

Further political appearances are scheduled in Arizona, where the president is expected to continue promoting the “no tax on tips” agenda ahead of upcoming election-cycle campaigning.