Trump Touts Tax Deduction for Tipped Workers, But Nevada Governor Skips Event

Vulnerable GOP Gov. Joe Lombardo distances himself from Trump's claims of economic success as Iran war impacts Nevada's economy

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:10am

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A heavily textured, fragmented painting of an oil pump jack in shades of red, orange, and yellow, conveying the volatility and disruption of the Iran war's impact on Nevada's economy.The Iran war's disruption of oil and gas supplies has sent Nevada's economy into turmoil, with high fuel prices impacting the state's gaming and tourism industries.Las Vegas Today

President Donald Trump visited Las Vegas to promote a tax deduction for tipped workers included in his 'One Big Beautiful Bill', but vulnerable Republican Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo did not appear publicly with the president. Lombardo's absence could be seen as an attempt to distance himself from Trump's economic claims as Nevada grapples with high gas prices and a slowdown in the state's gaming industry due to the ongoing Iran war.

Why it matters

Lombardo's decision not to appear publicly with Trump is significant as the governor faces a tough re-election battle. Nevada Democrats have long tried to tie Lombardo to Trump's economic policies, which have been impacted by the Iran war and resulting high gas prices. Lombardo's absence could be an effort to appeal to moderate voters by distancing himself from the president.

The details

Trump touted a tax deduction of up to $25,000 for tipped workers that was included in his 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. However, experts say many tipped workers may actually see financial losses due to cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP in the same bill. Meanwhile, the Iran war that Trump claims is 'going swimmingly' has led to gas prices spiking to over $5 per gallon in Nevada, hurting the state's economy and gaming industry.

  • 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 full year before Election Day.

The players

President Donald Trump

The former president who visited Nevada to promote a tax deduction for tipped workers included in his 'One Big Beautiful Bill'.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo

The vulnerable Republican governor of Nevada who did not appear publicly with Trump at the event, potentially distancing himself from the president's economic claims.

Center for American Progress (CAP)

A think tank that concluded many tipped workers are unlikely to see significant gains from Trump's tax deduction due to other cuts in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill'.

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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.”

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

“Let's see what happens over the next week or so. I think you're going to be very impressed... and if you are—vote for the Republicans in the midterm!”

— President Donald Trump

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.