Motorcades, Secret Service agents, and patriotic decorations filled Las Vegas this week as President Donald Trump visited to promote his federal tax reforms, inspired by the city, and to endorse Governor Joe Lombardo in his reelection bid.
During his hour-long speech at Red Rock Casino on Wednesday, Trump wandered through various topics, discussing his notable “no tax on tips” provision, the war in Iran, and critiquing his successor, Joe Biden. He referred to Democrats as "Dumocrats," even though five of Nevada’s six Congressional members are Democrats.
Trump claimed, "I’ve been fighting for the people of Nevada like no president ever has before," praising the state for hosting "thousands of proud, hardworking American patriots."
The state’s heavy reliance on tourism has resulted in the highest concentration of tipped workers in the country. Last July, Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” authorized eligible workers to deduct up to $25,000 in tipped income from their federal taxes. Nevada experienced significant job growth over the past year, finishing the latest tax filing season with the fourth-highest average refund nationwide, according to Upgraded Points.
In the 2024 presidential election, Trump secured Nevada with a 50%-47% win, although he lost Clark County, home to Las Vegas, by the same margin to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Trump remarked, “No tax on tips didn’t hurt,” regarding his victory in the state.
Trump first introduced the idea of eliminating taxes on tips at a Las Vegas rally in June 2024. On Wednesday, he reminisced about a conversation with a “beautiful” waitress at Trump International Las Vegas, who expressed her concern about high taxes while he dined there.
He humorously noted, “You hire these people, you pay ’em millions of dollars, they don’t come up with crap. Takes a waitress from Las Vegas to give us some good ideas.”
While the tax deduction provides some relief to casino workers, critics argue that Trump’s foreign relations and economic policies have contributed to a tourism decline in Las Vegas. This deduction is temporary, set to expire in 2028, and married couples must share the $25,000 cap.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported a 7.5% decrease in visitation to the city in 2025, with a 6% decline in air traffic at Harry Reid International Airport. In 2026, visitation has been negative in three out of six reported months, with air traffic down another 7%.
Canada has traditionally been a significant source of tourists to Las Vegas, but this year, passenger traffic from Air Canada and WestJet has dropped by 16% and 23%, respectively. LVCVA CEO Steve Hill has traveled to Canada to alleviate concerns, and some casinos are offering Canadian-centric deals to attract tourists back.
"Canada’s nasty, they are, they’re nasty, nasty leadership," Trump commented on Wednesday, while stating his fondness for the people.
Additionally, Trump spent considerable time lauding his administration’s increased tariff policies, a key aspect of his economic strategy in his second term. Starting last April, he announced significant tariff increases on various trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, the UK, the EU, and China.
Trump claimed, “The tariffs have made us rich,” despite legal challenges that arose after the Supreme Court struck down initial tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in February.
The gaming industry faces rising costs due to these tariffs, which have resulted in an average tax increase of $1,000 per US household in 2025. This figure stands at $900 so far in 2026. The Tax Foundation noted that tariff rates have changed more than 50 times since Trump began his second term.
Daron Dorsey, CEO of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, commented on how businesses have adapted, stating, “Everybody’s trying to be a little bit more efficient and a little bit more dynamic.”
Several prominent Las Vegas figures attended the event, including Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, Phil Ruffin, and Dana White. Trump described the Fertittas as “loaded” and noted their ownership of the hotel hosting the event. Red Rock Resort has seen record growth in recent years despite a decline in revenue and profits in the second quarter.
Ruffin, referred to by Trump as “one of the greatest businessmen in the world,” owns multiple Vegas properties, including Circus Circus and Treasure Island. Trump also acknowledged Ruffin’s Ukrainian wife, Oleksandra Nikolayenko. Trump served as best man at their wedding in 2008.
White introduced Trump at the event, having previously hosted a successful fight event on the White House lawn. He, supportive of Trump’s policies, has requested that Trump revisit the controversial 90% gambling loss deduction that was part of the OBBB but went unmentioned by Trump.
In endorsement of Governor Lombardo, Trump expressed hopes for a decisive victory in November, humorously urging, “Will you please win by a big number?” Nevada stands as a swing state, and Lombardo faces a tough competition from Democratic candidate Aaron Ford, who is viewed as a strong favorite to win.
Ford currently leads the state’s efforts against prediction markets, which are seen as a challenge to Nevada’s gambling supremacy. The state has successfully shut down various platforms, bolstering Ford's standing ahead of the election.
During his speech, Lombardo had to intervene when a crowd member booed during a moment of silence for police officer Austin Abdelnabi, who recently died in the line of duty. He emphasized, “No, no, we’re not booing him. He’s the officer that passed away here recently.”
