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Trump Faces Approval Challenges Amid Iran Fallout, Emphasizes Tax Cuts in Nevada Rally
Trump Highlights Tax Cuts in Nevada Rally Amid Approval Struggles
Former U.S. President Donald Trump held a rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 16. Facing public dissatisfaction over rising gasoline prices due to the Iran conflict, Trump emphasized his efforts to reduce taxes on tip income for restaurant and hotel workers. He warned that these policies would be lost if the Republican Party were to lose the November midterm elections. According to the White House, over 5.5 million people have applied for tip income tax exemptions, with an average deduction exceeding $7,100. However, despite these efforts, Trump's approval ratings show no signs of recovery.
Intensifying Conflicts with Political Opponents and Catholic Church
Feeling pressured by his stagnant approval ratings, Trump has intensified his attacks on political opponents. On April 16, he criticized Mamoudani, the first Muslim mayor of New York City, on social media, accusing him of "destroying the city." Mayor Mamoudani, who completed his first 100 days in office on April 10, has begun implementing some campaign promises, such as free childcare. However, his plan to fund these initiatives through tax increases on the wealthy and large corporations faces uncertainty due to the authority residing with the state government. Furthermore, Trump is also at odds with the Catholic Church. Miami Archbishop Wenski announced on April 16 that the Trump administration abruptly cut $11 million in funding for a Catholic charity providing shelter for immigrant children. Last week, Trump repeatedly attacked Pope Leo XIV, raising concerns even among his evangelical Christian base. A prolonged conflict with the Catholic Church could negatively impact the midterm elections.
*Source: Yahoo!ニュース (2026-04-22)*
