No tax on tips anniversary: Trump marks policy with McDonalds delivery at the Oval Office

US President Donald Trump marked the first anniversary of the no tax on tips policy with a burger delivery to the Oval Office. The White House ordered McDonalds cheeseburgers through DoorDash. Driver Sharon Simmons brought two bags with burgers and fries. Trump received the order in person during the staged moment.

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The White House said Simmons, a Republican supporter from Arkansas, saved USD 11,000 in takes. The delivery happened on Monday, with officials highlighting that figure. The event later drew online criticism for looking planned. It also raised questions about Simmons’s role in promoting the policy.

Donald Trump no tax on tips event draws online backlash

DoorDash faced social media backlash after users noted Simmons’s earlier testimony before Congress. That appearance was in July and supported no tax on tips. At that time, Simmons described herself as a Nevada resident. Simmons has since moved to Arkansas and appeared as a DC-area DoorDash driver this week.

On X, DoorDash spokesperson Julian Crowley rejected claims the moment was fake. "No one is claiming it was a real delivery,\" Crowley said on X. \"It was clearly and obviously a planned event to mark a new policy starting. To claim Sharon is a prop, plant or an actor is totally wrong and off base. She is a Dasher and she participated to support the policy that benefits her,\" Crowley said.

Donald Trump no tax on tips rally comments revisit campaign stunts

Trump later criticised the staged delivery while speaking at a Las Vegas rally on Thursday. The rally was held to celebrate the no tax on tips policy. \"We do these things in politics; theyre a little embarrassing. Theyre a little tiny embarrassing, but we do them and you win by landslides,\" Trump said.

Trump also referred to the Oval Office food order in blunt terms. \"Sharon delivered to the Oval Office -- to be honest, it was a little tacky,\" Trump said. Trump added that staff suggest unusual visuals for attention. \"They come up with these crazy ideas like McDonalds … the garbage truck,\" Trump said.

The remarks also pointed back to 2024 campaign moments mentioned by Trump. Those included serving fries at a burger-chain outlet. Another involved climbing into a campaign-branded garbage truck. Trump wore a safety vest during that appearance, which was later cited in the new comments.

With inputs from PTI