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.
The emergence of Chinese AI app DeepSeek has triggered shockwaves across the US tech industry, leading to a significant drop in stock prices for major companies. AI chipmaker Nvidia saw its value plummet by 16%, losing $500 billion in market capitalization. Rival Broadcom also suffered a sharp decline, with shares falling 17.8%, while other tech giants like Microsoft and Meta experienced notable losses.
DeepSeek has quickly risen to become the most downloaded free app in the United States, overtaking popular rivals like ChatGPT. Its reported development cost of just $6 million has sent ripples through the industry, challenging the traditional notion that groundbreaking AI technology requires multibillion-dollar investments.
In stark contrast, companies like Microsoft and Meta have committed vast sums to AI development, with investments of $80 billion and $60–65 billion, respectively. DeepSeek’s meteoric rise suggests that a lower-cost, open-source approach may disrupt existing business models and redefine what is possible in AI.
The sudden market turmoil underscores concerns about America’s dominance in artificial intelligence. Investors are now questioning whether US tech companies can maintain their competitive edge against cheaper, innovative alternatives like DeepSeek.
Nvidia, a key player in AI chip manufacturing, experienced the most significant blow, as the app’s success has called into question the scalability and profitability of existing AI strategies reliant on expensive infrastructure.
DeepSeek’s rise highlights the potential for more cost-effective, innovative solutions in AI development. While its reported $6 million development budget remains disputed by some industry experts, it has already shifted perceptions of what achieving AI breakthroughs might cost.
This development could pave the way for smaller companies and governments to explore AI without the need for massive financial resources. In the UK, where the government is banking on AI to drive economic growth and reduce public service costs, such advancements could serve as inspiration for future projects.
Despite its success, DeepSeek’s rapid rise also raises questions about its long-term sustainability, data privacy, and the technology underpinning its platform. As researchers and analysts delve deeper into its model, the app’s low-cost development claims may face scrutiny.
The DeepSeek phenomenon has upended the AI market, challenging entrenched economic assumptions and sparking uncertainty for US tech giants.
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed an array of executive actions aimed at swiftly implementing his administration’s priorities. These measures reflect his campaign promises and address a wide range of domestic and international issues.
Key Executive Actions
1. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement
The U.S. has officially begun the process of exiting the global accord, which aims to combat climate change through collective international efforts.
2. Initiating Exit from WHO
Trump has directed steps to formally withdraw from the World Health Organization, citing concerns about its handling of global health crises.
3. Border National Emergency
A national emergency has been declared at the southern border, signaling heightened measures to address immigration and security concerns.
4. Gender and Federal Policy
The administration enacted measures to “defend women from gender ideology” and promote what Trump referred to as “biological truth” in federal governance.
5. Pardons for January 6 Participants
Individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots have been pardoned, a move Trump framed as addressing what he called injustices in their prosecution.
6. Election Accountability
An order was signed to investigate and hold “former government officials accountable for election interference.”
7. Free Speech Protections
Trump ordered federal agencies to “restore freedom of speech” and prevent government censorship, emphasizing a commitment to First Amendment rights.
8. Establishment of Department of Government Efficiency (Doge)
An advisory board was created to streamline government operations, although it does not hold the status of a formal department.
9. Regulatory Freeze
A temporary freeze on the issuance of new regulations has been implemented, giving the administration time to assert control over federal rule-making processes.
10. Addressing Cost-of-Living Crisis
All federal departments and agencies were directed to prioritize measures addressing inflation and economic strain on Americans.
11. TikTok Ban Suspension
An action was signed to halt the implementation of a potential ban on TikTok, citing further review requirements.
On the eve of his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump pledged a flurry of executive actions to set his administration’s agenda in motion immediately after taking office. Speaking to a packed “Victory Rally” in Washington, D.C., Trump vowed to move with “historic speed and strength” to reverse policies from the previous administration and implement his own vision for the nation.
A Sweeping Agenda
Trump announced plans to sign over 200 executive actions on his first day, including:
- Mass Deportations: Initiating large-scale operations targeting undocumented immigrants.
- Environmental Rollbacks: Slashing regulations to boost industrial growth.
- AI Advancements: Expanding federal artificial intelligence programs.
- Iron Dome Defense: Directing the military to develop a missile defense system akin to Israel’s Iron Dome.
- DEI Elimination: Removing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies from the military.
- Transgender Sports Restrictions: Prohibiting transgender women from competing in female sports categories.
- Education Reform: Returning control of education to state governments.
- Government Efficiency: Establishing a Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
He also pledged to release records related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Trump emphasized his intention to swiftly dismantle executive orders from the Biden administration, framing his actions as a course correction for the country. “Every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of when I take the oath of office,” he declared.
While executive orders allow presidents to bypass Congress on certain issues, the sheer volume and breadth of Trump’s planned actions are expected to face significant legal scrutiny. Many could be challenged in court, potentially delaying their implementation.
Trump’s rally speech drew cheers from supporters eager to see immediate changes. “You’re going to have a lot of fun watching television tomorrow,” he promised the crowd, signaling a dramatic and controversial start to his presidency.
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