CBS Reporter Comments On Trump Speech

Former President Donald Trump seems to have a good shot at reclaiming the presidency, barring any unforeseen legal troubles or self-inflicted mistakes. With President Joe Biden’s approval ratings languishing, Trump is gaining an edge in many crucial swing state polls.

One key region to watch is the Sun Belt. Post-pandemic and post-2020 election controversies, this area appears more favorable for Trump. Georgia might still be a challenge, but Nevada is emerging as a potential game-changer. Trump has been leading Biden in Nevada since March, and over the weekend, he made a bold promise to end taxation on tips, aiming to win over service industry workers.

At a rally in Las Vegas, Trump addressed this issue directly. He promised that eliminating taxes on tips would be his first action if re-elected.

He stated, “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,” Trump said at a rally in Las Vegas.

“We’re not going to do it, and we’re going to do that right away, first thing in office, because it’s been a point of contention for years and years and years,” he added. “And 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.”

This proposal isn’t just talk—it would need congressional approval. Lawmakers are set to revisit the nation’s tax policy next year as Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is up for review. Currently, tips are considered regular taxable income by the IRS, so this change would mark a significant shift.

The impact of Trump’s announcement is already being felt. Six Biden supporters in Nevada, all hotel industry workers, told CBS News’ Olivia Rinaldi that this policy would be enough to sway their vote. This shows the potential for Trump’s strategy to resonate with voters in key demographics.

Whether more voters will follow suit remains to be seen. However, it’s clear that Trump’s focus on this issue is not only a smart campaign move but also addresses a long-standing concern for many service workers. Stay tuned as we watch how this unfolds and what it means for the upcoming election.