A Republican politician unintentionally provoked a wave of criticism in a misguided attempt to promote President Donald Trump’s ‘No Tax on Tips’ initiative.
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks shared two photos to X on Monday after she dined at Sundown Bar and Grill in Iowa for lunch on Sunday.
In one of the pictures, Miller-Meeks smiles broadly while showing off the receipt for her meal – a chilly steak sandwich and some nuggets – which totaled $18.19 including tax.
But it was her tip which has left online commentators so divided.
Miller-Meeks left $21 in bills, along with several coins on the table to cover her bill, amounting to a tip of about $3.
‘I got to celebrate No Tax on Tips with our wonderful server, she’s thrilled about this provision and excited to keep more of what she earns,’ she wrote.
In one of the pictures, Miller-Meeks smiles broadly while showing off the receipt for her meal – a chilly steak sandwich and some nuggets – which totaled $18.19 including tax
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks shared two photos to X on Monday after she dined at Sun Down Bar and Grill in Iowa for lunch on Sunday
Despite offering a 20 percent tip on her meal, Miller-Meeks has been slammed for the sum.
‘Imagine showing the world you’re a cheapskate,’ one furious X user wrote.
‘Did you really only tip $3? And broadcast it as a win?’
A third added: ‘Pulling out coins to tip is the most old woman politician thing she could do.’
But Miller-Meeks’ tip has reignited a fiery debate about what the expectation is for tipping culture in the United States.
Her defenders pointed out that she left a 20 percent tip on her bill, an amount generally considered a good – or at the very least, standard – tip at restaurants in the US.
One person, defending Miller-Meeks, responded to another user who had been particularly critical of her tip.
‘Why are you trying to make someone who tipped 20% seem stingy? Oh I know, you want internet clout from libs,’ the commenter said.
Despite offering a 20 percent tip on her meal, Miller-Meeks has been slammed for the sum
‘Further, what are your tipping habits? Do you think 20% is to [sic] little?’
Anthony Fakhoury, a spokesperson with Miller-Meeks’ office, told CBS: ‘The Congresswoman left a 20% tip.
‘Unlike Democrats, she did not vote to increase taxes on hardworking Iowans. “No Tax on Tips” means more money in the pockets of servers, not the IRS.’