But it’s a powerful political argument that hardworking restaurant, hotel and other tipped employees should get a break. It’s one that Trump is seeking to use to his advantage in a key swing state, as is GOP Senate contender Sam Brown, who is running a close race against incumbent Nevada Democrat Jacky Rosen — herself a former Caesars Palace cocktail waitress. 

If Trump thought his proposal would gain favor with the influential Las Vegas-based Culinary Workers Union Local 226, however, he was wrong.

“Relief is definitely needed for tip earners, but Nevada workers are smart enough to know the difference between real solutions and wild campaign promises from a convicted felon,” Ted Pappageorge, the union’s secretary-treasurer, said in a statement Sunday.