Social media tirade, former President Donald Trump has accused Vice President Kamala Harris of copying his proposal to eliminate taxes on tips. Trump’s allegations, voiced through his Truth Social platform, labeled Harris as a “COPYCAT” and claimed she was merely repackaging his ideas for political gain. This accusation, however, is at odds with the policy’s history.
Trump’s critique came after Harris announced her commitment to remove taxes on tips for service and hospitality workers during a rally in Las Vegas. Trump, who had previously discussed a similar proposal in June, asserted in his posts that the concept was originally his.
“This was a TRUMP idea – She has no ideas, she can only steal from me,” Trump stated, further declaring, “Kamala has no imagination, whatsoever, as shown by the fact that she played ‘COPYCAT’ with, NO TAXES ON TIPS!”
Despite Trump’s claims, the concept of eliminating tip taxes has been around long before his presidency. The idea was notably championed by former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul. In a 2012 op-ed, Paul criticized the taxation of tips, describing it as an “outrage” and advocating for its removal. Paul had introduced multiple bills in Congress starting in 2007 aimed at exempting tips from federal income and payroll taxes.
Additionally, former Representative Phil Crane (R-Ill.) promoted a similar policy as early as 1982. These historical efforts highlight that Trump’s assertion of originality regarding the no-tax policy is disputed.
During his June rally in Las Vegas, Trump reiterated his support for the tip tax exemption, promising to enact the policy immediately if re-elected. “We’re not going to do it and we’re gonna do that right away, first thing in office, because it’s been a point of contention for years and years and years,” Trump said. He emphasized the importance of this policy for service workers, stating, “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.”
Interestingly, Trump’s claim of exclusivity for the no-tax policy is further challenged by recent legislative actions. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and other Republican lawmakers introduced a bill in June to remove taxes on tips, indicating that the policy is not solely Trump’s initiative.
Vice President Harris’s recent pledge to eliminate tip taxation is part of a broader campaign strategy aimed at appealing to working-class families and addressing economic concerns. Harris, speaking at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, framed her proposal within a larger commitment to economic relief, promising to raise the minimum wage and reduce living costs for American families.
Trump quickly responded on social media, accusing Harris of insincerity. “The difference is, she won’t do it, she just wants it for Political Purposes!” he wrote. Trump’s response underscores the political tension surrounding the policy, with both candidates using the issue to galvanize their respective bases.
Harris’s promise aligns with a broader campaign strategy to address economic disparities and improve financial conditions for workers. The Culinary Workers Union, which represents a significant portion of Nevada’s service industry, has backed Harris, potentially influencing the outcome in this pivotal battleground state.
As Harris continues her campaign with high-profile fundraisers and endorsements, the debate over the no-tax on tips policy highlights ongoing divisions in American politics. Whether Harris or Trump will prevail in advancing this policy remains to be seen, but the historical context suggests that the idea has deeper roots than Trump’s recent claims suggest.
