UNLV Professor Clarifies Misinterpreted Comments on Trump’s Economic Plans

A UNLV professor clarified she does not endorse Trump despite agreeing that his economic plans could benefit Las Vegas tourism. The misleading headline from the Review-Journal was later changed to better reflect the article about sports tourism. Local experts discuss the varying impacts of presidential policies on the economic recovery of Las Vegas amid the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

A recent headline from the Las Vegas Review-Journal suggested that UNLV Professor Amanda Belarmino endorsed Donald Trump for president, which she clarified was not the case. While she acknowledged that Trump’s economic proposals could potentially benefit Las Vegas tourism, Belarmino stated she does not publicly support either presidential candidate. She also noted that Kamala Harris’ economic strategies might also positively influence the economy. The original headline, “Trump election win bodes well for Las Vegas tourism economy, expert says,” misrepresented the content, which focused on the impact of sports tourism on Las Vegas. The headline was later updated to reflect the article’s essence, shifting to “Sports tourism aiding Las Vegas economy.” Despite her favorable commentary on some of Trump’s plans, Belarmino insists there’s no endorsement. Belarmino discussed the complexities of measuring the impacts of candidates’ policies, stating that Trump’s proposals tend to support current tourism needs more directly than Harris’s. Andrew Woods, the director of UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research, emphasized the limited immediate influence a president could have on local tourism, noting that the effects of fiscal and monetary policies play a larger role long-term. Woods clarified he’s not endorsing any candidate but stressed the importance of analyzing policies independently of party lines. He highlighted that economic performance has historically fluctuated under different administrations. Both candidates propose eliminating taxes on tips, crucial for Las Vegas hospitality workers, leading Woods to question the long-term ramifications of such reforms on worker support systems. Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, Woods criticized the unprecedented unemployment rates that Nevada faced, emphasizing the importance of preparing for future national emergencies. Belarmino acknowledged the challenges faced by both Trump and Biden during their respective terms due to the pandemic, linking economic recovery strategies to inflation concerns and how Las Vegas rebranded itself post-COVID. This rebranding helped Las Vegas bounce back, attracting nearly 41 million visitors in 2023, a noticeable rise from 2022. The growth trajectory seems set to surpass the pre-pandemic visitation records. Woods underscored the necessity of stability at the federal level for continued growth, ensuring Las Vegas remains an inviting destination for tourists and workers alike.

The article discusses the potential economic implications of the upcoming presidential election on Las Vegas tourism, featuring opinions from UNLV professor Amanda Belarmino and economist Andrew Woods. Belarmino’s commentary was misrepresented by a headline suggesting her endorsement of Trump, while she emphasizes her neutral stance. The article analyzes how tourism recovery strategies during the pandemic intersect with the candidates’ economic proposals, particularly focusing on the hospitality industry’s reliance on tipping.

In summary, the misrepresentation of Professor Belarmino’s views in the media highlights the complexities of political endorsements in economic discussions. While both presidential candidates offer policies that could affect tourism in Las Vegas, the ultimate influence of federal leadership on local economic recovery remains uncertain. The article serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between politics and the economy, especially in a city heavily reliant on tourism.

Original Source: lasvegassun.com

About Oliver Henderson

Oliver Henderson is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years of experience in the field. A graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, he started his career covering local news in small towns before moving on to major metropolitan newspapers. Oliver has a knack for uncovering intricate stories that resonate with the larger public, and his investigative pieces have earned him numerous accolades, including a prestigious Peabody Award. Now contributing to various reputable news outlets, he focuses on human interest stories that reveal the complexities of contemporary society.

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