WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump orchestrated a McDonald’s delivery to the Oval Office Monday as part of an effort to showcase his elimination of taxes on tips, giving the delivery driver what looked like a $100 bill when reporters questioned whether White House staff tip well.
Sharon Simmons, a DoorDash driver from Arkansas sporting a red “DoorDash Grandma” shirt, arrived at the door with two bags of fast food while cameras rolled. The President greeted her and subsequently fielded questions from the press with Simmons beside him, who mentioned she has kept significantly more money since tip taxes were eliminated in January.
As November’s midterm elections approach with Congressional control at stake, Trump’s team began this year planning to highlight the robust U.S. economy. However, the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has complicated these plans, especially as climbing oil prices have increased fuel costs, diminishing the impact of tax reductions on tips, Social Security benefits, overtime wages, auto loan interest, and state and local taxes that were included in last year’s GOP-supported tax legislation.
In fact, DoorDash and similar companies relying on independent contractors recently implemented strategies to address rising gasoline costs.
When a reporter questioned Simmons about the White House’s tipping practices, she responded: “Ummm, potentially.”
Trump interrupted with “wait,” reaching into his pocket to pull out what appeared to be a $100 bill for her.
“Thank you, you reminded me,” he stated.
During a later Fox News appearance, Simmons commented on the tip: “He took good care of me.” However, she declined to reveal the amount: “I don’t talk money.”
Simmons also skillfully deflected Trump’s attempts to draw her into political discussions before the press.
When Trump inquired: “Do you think that men should play in women’s sports?” she responded: “I really don’t have an opinion on that … I’m here about tax on tips.”
He also questioned whether she had voted for him. Smiling, Simmons answered: “Ummm, maybe.”
