Javier Barajas, owner of II Toro e La Capra, faces backlash for hosting the former president's "No Taxes on Tips" press conference, but remains unwavering in his support.
Las Vegas restaurant owner Javier Barajas has faced a torrent of criticism and boycott calls since hosting former President Donald Trump for a press conference on his "No Taxes on Tips" policy. However, Barajas remains steadfast in his support for Trump, dismissing the backlash as nothing more than a tempest in a digital teapot.
"I was so grateful to have President Donald Trump in my restaurant," Barajas told "Fox & Friends First" on Thursday. "I've been having a lot of phone calls, a lot of TikToks that people make, talking bad about me and my restaurant, but, at the same time, I've been having a lot of good response, too."
Las Vegas Restaurant Owner Defies Boycott Calls After Hosting Trump
Barajas, the owner of Mexican-Italian restaurant II Toro e La Capra, where Trump promoted his "No Taxes on Tips" proposal last month, has repeatedly voiced his admiration for the former president and his policies.
"We're supporting President Donald Trump because we know that he's gonna do a lot better for people that work hard in our country," he said, specifically referencing the Hispanic community. "He knows that the United States needs people to come to work, not to [be] delinquents."
Las Vegas Restaurant Owner Defies Boycott Calls After Hosting Trump
Barajas' unwavering support for Trump stems from his belief that the former president will do more to support the working class and address the challenges facing businesses in the current economic climate.
"President Donald Trump — he's a businessman. I know he's going to do a lot better for us," Barajas said. "Everything is very expensive."
Las Vegas Restaurant Owner Defies Boycott Calls After Hosting Trump
Barajas also took aim at President Biden's immigration policies, accusing him of opening the border to "millions and millions of people without checking their criminal records."
"In 2008, President Obama promised a lot of things for working people, but they [his administration] never did anything," he added.
Las Vegas Restaurant Owner Defies Boycott Calls After Hosting Trump
Despite the backlash, Barajas remains confident in his decision to host Trump and believes that the former president's policies will ultimately benefit the country.
"I'm not going to listen to people that just call me names," he said. "I'm going to support President Donald Trump because I know he's going to do a lot better for us."
Barajas' family also runs the Lindo Michoacan restaurants that serve Mexican cuisine in the Las Vegas area. President Biden visited one of the locations in July just prior to announcing his decision not to run for a second term.
While the boycott calls continue, Barajas has also received an outpouring of support from those who share his views. The restaurant has seen an increase in business since hosting Trump, and many customers have expressed their appreciation for Barajas' willingness to stand up for his beliefs.
