Trump Touts 'No Tax on Tips' in Las Vegas, But Governor Lombardo Skips Event

Nevada's Republican governor distances himself from Trump's economic claims amid high gas prices and tourism slowdown.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:04am

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A highly stylized, abstract painting featuring the Nevada state flag in distorted, overlapping geometric shapes and waves of red and silver, conveying a sense of motion and political tension.As Nevada's Republican governor distances himself from the former president's economic claims, the state's political landscape remains in flux.Las Vegas Today

President Donald Trump visited Las Vegas to promote his 'no tax on tips' policy, but Nevada's Republican Governor Joe Lombardo did not appear publicly with him. Lombardo's campaign said he would meet Trump separately, in an apparent attempt to distance himself from the president's economic claims as the state grapples with high gas prices and a tourism slowdown. Trump did not mention Lombardo during his remarks, which focused on tax policy changes, while Nevada Democrats have long tried to tie Lombardo to Trump's policies.

Why it matters

Lombardo's absence from the public event with Trump could be seen as a strategic move to avoid being closely associated with the president's economic messaging, which may not resonate with Nevada voters facing high costs of living. The dynamic highlights the political challenges for Republican candidates like Lombardo who must balance aligning with Trump's base while also appealing to a broader electorate.

The details

Trump came to Las Vegas to tout a provision in his tax bill that provides a tax deduction for workers earning tipped incomes. However, analysis shows many tipped workers may not see significant gains due to other program cuts in the legislation. Meanwhile, Trump defended his ongoing war with Iran, which has contributed to high gas prices that are a major concern for Nevadans.

  • Trump last visited Nevada in January 2025, shortly after his inauguration, when Lombardo did appear with him.
  • Trump endorsed Lombardo for re-election in November 2025, a year before Election Day.

The players

President Donald Trump

The former president who visited Las Vegas to promote his 'no tax on tips' policy.

Governor Joe Lombardo

The Republican governor of Nevada who did not appear publicly with Trump at the event, in an apparent attempt to distance himself from the president's economic claims.

Nevada Democrats

The state's Democratic party that has long tried to tie Lombardo to Trump's policies.

Scott Bessent

Trump's Treasury Secretary who shifted blame for high gas prices away from the Iran war and onto California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Center for American Progress (CAP)

A think tank that concluded many tipped workers are unlikely to see significant gains from Trump's 'no tax on tips' policy due to other program cuts in the legislation.

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What they’re saying

“I look forward to meeting with President Trump during his visit, where I hope to continue our discussions on lowering costs for Nevada families, releasing more federal land for attainable housing, advancing critical solar projects, and restoring the full gaming loss deduction.”

— Governor Joe Lombardo

“Prices are coming down, and, I think, this summer we are going to see prices get back to normal.”

— Scott Bessent, Trump's Treasury Secretary

What’s next

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The takeaway

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