Politics
Harris Matches Trump’s Proposal to Ban Taxes on Tips at Las Vegas Rally
Vice President Kamala Harris announced a plan to eliminate taxes on tips for service and hospitality workers if she wins the presidency, mirroring a proposal put forth by former President Donald Trump earlier this year. Harris made this pledge during a rally in Las Vegas, a critical battleground state where the hospitality sector plays a significant role in the economy.
Speaking to a crowd of over 12,000 supporters on Saturday, Harris emphasized her commitment to supporting working families, stating, “It is my promise to everyone here, when I am president, we will continue our fight for working families of America; including to raise the minimum wage, and eliminate taxes on tips for service and hospitality workers.”
Harris’s proposal came shortly after receiving the endorsement of the Culinary Workers Union, a powerful labor group in Nevada. This endorsement is expected to bolster her campaign’s appeal among the state’s sizable workforce in the hospitality industry, which accounts for roughly a quarter of Nevada’s employment.
Trump, who had introduced the tax-free tip idea during a rally in Las Vegas in June, quickly responded to Harris’s announcement on social media, accusing her of copying his proposal. “She played ‘COPYCAT’ with, NO TAXES ON TIPS!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Both candidates’ proposals would require new legislation and congressional approval to become law. Harris’s campaign acknowledged this challenge and indicated that any tax-free tip policy would likely include an income cap and safeguards to prevent higher-income individuals from exploiting the policy.
Critics of the proposal, including some economists, argue that eliminating taxes on tips might not effectively target the intended beneficiaries—low-income workers. They caution that such a policy could result in significant revenue losses for the federal government, with estimates ranging from $150 billion to $250 billion over the next decade. Additionally, some experts believe that a tax-free tip policy may not be the most efficient way to alleviate the tax burden on low-income Americans, as only a small portion of this workforce earns tips, and many already pay little to no income tax.
Despite these concerns, the proposal has gained traction as both Harris and Trump vie for the support of voters in Nevada, a state where the service industry plays a crucial role in the economy.
News
Trump Appoints Energy Executive as Energy Department Head; Biden Heads to Amazon Rainforest
President-elect Donald Trump has named Chris Wright, an oil and gas executive, to head the US Energy Department. Wright, the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, is known for his scepticism regarding climate change and is expected to advance Trump’s agenda of increasing fossil fuel production.
Trump praised Wright in a statement, describing him as a “key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace.” The president-elect also announced that Wright will serve on a newly formed Council of National Energy, which aims to guide the United States toward energy dominance through deregulation and encouraging private sector investments.
In related news, Trump’s campaign revealed that Will Scharf, one of the president-elect’s personal lawyers, will become the assistant to the president and White House staff secretary. Trump highlighted Scharf’s legal expertise, referring to him as a “highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team.”
Scharf notably represented Trump in a Supreme Court hearing on presidential immunity, where the court ruled that Trump was partially immune from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency. In his new role, Scharf will manage key documents, including reports and briefings for the president.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is set to visit the Amazon rainforest later today, where he will engage with Brazilian indigenous leaders. This visit underscores his administration’s commitment to environmental and conservation efforts on a global scale.
News
Trump Announces Key Appointments: Elise Stefanik as UN Ambassador, Tom Homan as Border Tsar
President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled two significant appointments as he prepares for his return to the White House in January. Elise Stefanik, a 40-year-old New York Congresswoman, has been confirmed as Trump’s choice for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Additionally, Trump has appointed Tom Homan, 62, to be his “border tsar.” Homan previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term.
This move comes as the Republican Party inches closer to securing full control of Congress. The GOP has already captured a majority in the Senate and is three seats away from winning the House of Representatives. The Republicans currently hold 215 seats, while Democrats have 210. Control of the 218-seat majority in the House would grant Republicans significant legislative power, including initiating spending bills and launching impeachment proceedings.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce Homan’s appointment, saying, “Tom Homan will be in charge of our Nation’s Borders (‘The Border Czar’), including… the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security.” Trump emphasized Homan’s role in deportation efforts, adding, “Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”
News
Biden to Host Trump at White House for Transition Talks Next Week
President Joe Biden has invited President-elect Donald Trump to the White House for a meeting in the Oval Office next week. This tradition of sitting presidents welcoming their successors has been observed for decades, though it was notably absent in 2020 when Trump did not extend the invitation to Biden.
These meetings typically focus on the transition period and key considerations for establishing a new administration. During their sessions, outgoing and incoming presidents often discuss both domestic and foreign policy and emphasize a smooth transition of power.
In 2016, President Barack Obama hosted Trump and later said they agreed to collaborate for the good of the country. Similarly, when President George W. Bush met President-elect Obama in 2008, they talked about economic and security matters, while Laura Bush and Michelle Obama explored the White House grounds.
This upcoming meeting between Biden and Trump marks a significant step as the nation prepares for the presidential transition.
-
Business4 days ago
Trump Names Chris Wright as Energy Secretary in Push for Fossil Fuel Expansion
-
Sports4 days ago
Hungary Coach Szalai Stable After Collapsing During Nations League Match
-
Spotlight3 days ago
The Impact of Quality Apparel Production on Business Branding in Lagos, Nigeria
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Liam Payne’s Funeral Set for Wednesday in Private Ceremony
-
Spotlight1 day ago
The Role of Endocrinology in Managing Chronic Conditions: Insights for Patients in Las Cruces, NM
-
Sports4 days ago
Sinner Clinches Historic ATP Finals Victory in Turin
-
News2 days ago
Hong Kong Sentences 45 Pro-Democracy Activists in Landmark Subversion Trial
-
News4 days ago
Trump Appoints Energy Executive as Energy Department Head; Biden Heads to Amazon Rainforest