President Trump shrugged off the security scare in California that followed him during his West Coast trip Wednesday, using a packed rally in Las Vegas to celebrate his tax agenda and sharpen his attacks on Democrats over immigration, crime and cultural issues.
Addressing an energized crowd at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, Trump said working Americans are finally holding on to more of what they earn, highlighting his campaign promise to end federal taxes on tips.
“If you’re a waiter, a waitress, a bartender, a bellhop, a caddy, a valet, a hotel worker, taxi driver in Las Vegas or anywhere else you pay zero taxes on your tipped income,” he told supporters.
Trump said the policy was inspired by a young waitress in Las Vegas who told him that taxes on tipped wages were making it harder for service workers to get by.
He also credited the proposal with helping fuel his 3.10% win over former Vice President Kamala Harris in Nevada, a victory that made him the first Republican presidential candidate to win the state since George W. Bush in 2004.
The president pointed to several other tax measures, saying 150,000 Nevada workers saved an average of more than $3,000 after taxes on overtime pay were eliminated, while about 500,000 seniors in the state no longer pay taxes on Social Security benefits.
Trump also promoted a new deduction for interest on auto loans for vehicles manufactured in the United States and praised what he described as the “Great Big Beautiful Bill,” calling it the biggest tax cut in U.S. history.
He later turned to the broader economy, claiming that tariffs have dramatically strengthened the country’s financial position.
“The tariffs have made us rich,” he declared.
He claimed the US has reached record export levels, more Americans are working than ever before, Nevada has added 40,000 jobs and 100,000 residents have come off food stamps.
Trump also took a swipe at former President Joe Biden, claiming “Sleepy Joe” brought in just $1 trillion in investment over four years while his administration landed $19.2 trillion in a single year.
The rally quickly turned into a full-throated broadside against Democrats.
Trump accused the Biden administration of allowing tens of millions of people to cross the southern border.
“25 million people poured through our southern border,” Trump said. “And they came from jails, and they were drug dealers and they were people from mental institutions.”
“Can’t have a country without a border,” he added.
The president also blasted Democrats over crime, criticized men competing in women’s sports, took aim at Canada’s leadership, claimed fentanyl entering the US by sea has dropped 97% under his administration and closed by branding Democrat-run cities “filthy” and “dirty.”
The rally came days after federal authorities arrested Jeanine John Taele, 38, who is accused of scouting security operations ahead of Trump’s visit to Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles.
Hundreds of supporters packed the casino, with lines snaking past slot machines before Trump took the stage.
UFC president Dana White and boxing legend Mike Tyson were among those in attendance.
