Republican Rep. Miller-Meeks Faces Backlash Over $3 Tip Amid No Tax on Tips Support

Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks sparked controversy after posting photos celebrating President Donald Trump's 'No Tax on Tips' legislation, showing a receipt from Sundown Bar and Grill with a $3 tip on an $18 meal. While Miller-Meeks and her spokesperson defended the tip as a 20% gratuity, many social media users criticized it as stingy given her congressional salary of $174,000. The post reignited debate over tipping culture and the fairness of the new tax provision, which exempts tip income from federal taxation, aiming to put more money in servers' pockets. Critics argue the tax break may worsen the federal deficit and disproportionately favor higher tip earners, while supporters believe it boosts worker morale and economic growth. Miller-Meeks emphasized that the legislation helps hardworking Iowans and promotes American manufacturing, but public response remains sharply divided. The incident highlights ongoing partisan tensions around tax policy and economic support measures under President Trump's administration.