POLITICS

Trump tips DoorDash driver at Oval Office event

PUBLISHED Apr 13, 2026, 5:21 PM ET

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Washington — President Donald Trump accepted a DoorDash delivery in the Oval Office on Monday, received two bags of McDonald's from driver Sharon Simmons, and tipped her $100 while speaking to reporters. The driver, wearing a 'DoorDash Grandma' T-shirt, participated in the on-camera interaction as the White House highlighted a 'no tax on tips' provision. The event was used this week to publicize last summer's tax package provision allowing temporary deductions for qualified tip income; outlets reported the law permits specified deductions between 2025 and 2028 for taxpayers under $150,000. Journalists noted the delivery required prior White House permission and security screening, and the driver reportedly said she received additional benefits under the law.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Last summer: Congress approved a tax-and-spend package including a 'no tax on tips' provision.
Previous year: President signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, establishing temporary tip deduction rules.
Monday (April 14): Sharon Simmons, a DoorDash driver from Arkansas, delivered McDonald's to the Oval Office and was tipped $100 by President Trump.
Same day: The White House used the delivery to promote the policy; reporters observed the event and security requirements.
Following reports: outlets published details including Simmons’ reported $11,000 benefit and descriptions of staging and coordination.

News Intelligence

This event spotlights the 'no tax on tips' provision, part of a recent tax package. If you're a tipped worker earning under $150,000, you could see temporary deductions on your tip income between 2025 and
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Check with a tax professional to understand your potential benefits.

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Who Benefited

Tipped workers and gig-economy drivers with annual incomes under $150,000 may receive temporary federal tax relief via deductions permitted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act between 2025 and 2028, reducing taxable income from tips for eligible workers.

Who Impacted

Journalists and outlets noted the delivery required prior White House permission and security clearance, highlighting concerns about staging and media access and underscoring scrutiny over using staged events to publicize policy rather than an unscripted encounter.

Media Bias