Introduction to the Economic Downturn
A Las Vegas waiter, Aaron Mahan, is feeling the ill effects of Trump’s policies. Mahan is a lifelong Republican who twice voted for Donald Trump, but by 2024, he’d had enough of the president’s ego and policies. He’s experiencing a big drop in pay, depletion of his emergency savings, and stress due to the high cost of living.
The Impact of Trump’s Policies on Las Vegas
Las Vegas lives on tourism, and the decline of both has resulted in a painful downturn that hurts all the more after the pent-up demand and go-go years following the crippling COVID-19 shutdown. Over the last 12 months, the number of visitors has dropped significantly, and those who do come to Las Vegas are spending less. Passenger arrivals at Harry Reid International Airport have declined, and room nights, a measure of hotel occupancy, have also fallen. Mahan blames the slowdown in large part on Trump’s failure to tame inflation, his tariffs, and pugnacious immigration and foreign policies that have antagonized people around the world.
The "Trump Slump"
Mahan has a way of describing the buckling blow to Las Vegas’ economy, which he calls "the Trump slump." He believes that Trump’s policies have led to a decline in tourism, resulting in a significant drop in his income. Mahan’s paychecks have grown considerably skinnier, and they don’t go nearly as far due to the high cost of living. He’s had to cut back on unnecessary expenses, such as his favorite soda, Dr Pepper, which has become too expensive.
The Human Impact of the Economic Downturn
Mahan is not just experiencing financial difficulties; he’s also worried about the future of his job and the labor union he’s a part of. As a shop steward with the Culinary Union, Mahan is concerned that Trump will come after organized labor, undermining one of the foundational building blocks that helped him climb into the middle class. He’s also concerned about the impact of Trump’s policies on his emergency fund, which was depleted after he had to replace his air conditioner and pay for a costly filter for his allergies.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
While there are a few bright spots in Las Vegas’ economic picture, such as increased convention bookings and gaming revenues, the overall trend is still downward. The workforce is still growing, but the layoff trends and unemployment insurance have edged up. For Mahan, the economic downturn is a harsh reality that he’s living with every day.
Conclusion
The economic downturn in Las Vegas, which Mahan attributes to Trump’s policies, has had a significant impact on his life and livelihood. He’s experiencing financial difficulties, stress, and uncertainty about the future. As he looks back on his decision to vote for Trump, Mahan says he would advise his younger self to "prepare for a bumpy ride." The economic downturn in Las Vegas is a complex issue with many factors at play, but for Mahan, the impact of Trump’s policies is clear.
FAQs
Q: What is the main reason for the economic downturn in Las Vegas, according to Mahan?
A: Mahan blames the slowdown in large part on Trump’s failure to tame inflation, his tariffs, and pugnacious immigration and foreign policies that have antagonized people around the world.
Q: How has the economic downturn affected Mahan’s life?
A: Mahan is experiencing a big drop in pay, depletion of his emergency savings, and stress due to the high cost of living. He’s had to cut back on unnecessary expenses and is worried about the future of his job and the labor union he’s a part of.
Q: What is the "Trump slump"?
A: The "Trump slump" is a term Mahan uses to describe the buckling blow to Las Vegas’ economy, which he believes is a result of Trump’s policies.
Q: Is the economic downturn in Las Vegas a temporary issue?
A: The article suggests that the economic downturn in Las Vegas is a complex issue with many factors at play, and it’s unclear when or if the situation will improve.
