Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

A_Woman_from_MI

(191 posts)
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 03:36 PM Apr 13

Who thought "DoorDash Grandma" was a PR positive?

Being a woman of a certain age, the idea of door dashing because I can't afford to live kinda turns my stomach, tbh.

Sharon Simmons, the DoorDash grandma who was just part of a Trump photo op at the White House, says on Fox News that "no tax on tips" helped her because she couldn't afford her husband's cancer treatments

Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2026-04-13T17:28:48.406Z


32 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Who thought "DoorDash Grandma" was a PR positive? (Original Post) A_Woman_from_MI Apr 13 OP
Know what would have helped her more? Bettie Apr 13 #1
It definitely hits a button for me A_Woman_from_MI Apr 13 #5
I've noticed lately at the grocery store the average age of the cashiers and baggers looks to be about 70. Vinca Apr 13 #6
I'm 74 and just retired from working for a grocery store Lifeafter70 Apr 13 #9
Well, that sheds a different light, to be sure A_Woman_from_MI Apr 13 #11
Lol Lifeafter70 Apr 13 #15
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give the impression I thought working at a grocery store was low paying. I was trying to Vinca Apr 13 #18
No you didn't. I just wanted to explain my answer to you Lifeafter70 Apr 13 #21
Nah, that is just for advanced countries that can afford it. Like Mexico and Canada and Greenland. Midnight Writer Apr 13 #7
+1 leftstreet Apr 13 #12
She is a GOP plant. She spoke at a GOP hearing last year extolling the merits of the "No Tax On Tips... winstars Apr 14 #28
Look at those giant bags of saturated fat being received by a giant bag of saturated fat. jls4561 Apr 13 #2
People before profits health care would have done it too. Maybe even a living wage. Solly Mack Apr 13 #3
Agree 100 % Door dash pays very little Lifeafter70 Apr 13 #19
A pity you don't live in a civilized country, Sharon. paleotn Apr 13 #4
Standard deduction? multigraincracker Apr 14 #29
WHAT on Earth?!?! NCDem47 Apr 13 #8
NOPE. If we were a decent country, grandma wouldn't have to work.. CousinIT Apr 13 #10
Oh My God, she should be with her husband, NOW! Zackzzzz Apr 13 #13
All it shows is our cruel healthcare system Ritabert Apr 13 #14
The gig economy Johnny2X2X Apr 13 #16
Heartbreaking A_Woman_from_MI Apr 13 #17
He is bringing jobs back. Lifeafter70 Apr 13 #22
Y'all this was totally staged. She's from Arkansas. WhiskeyGrinder Apr 13 #20
I agree Lifeafter70 Apr 13 #23
Yes, understood A_Woman_from_MI Apr 13 #24
I saw on Reddit a screenshot of her speaking at a GOP event in Nevada. RockRaven Apr 13 #26
How's she liking the $4/gal gas then? NickB79 Apr 13 #25
look bob4460 Apr 14 #27
And screams Fake News all the time. multigraincracker Apr 14 #30
yup! here you go! Takket Apr 14 #31
Sort of reminds me Mad_Machine76 Apr 14 #32

Bettie

(19,789 posts)
1. Know what would have helped her more?
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 03:42 PM
Apr 13

Universal healthcare so she could be with him and he'd get his treatment without worrying that they'd not have a place to live.

I know people who put off cancer treatment for too long because even with insurance they couldn't afford it.

We also see constant fundraisers at the grocery store on the bulletin board for people who have cancer or other illnesses and can't pay for treatment.

Sorry, this hit one of my hot buttons.

A_Woman_from_MI

(191 posts)
5. It definitely hits a button for me
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 03:50 PM
Apr 13

I see so many women my age and older doing the low paying jobs I used to do as a teen. While I'm sure there is a subset that wants to work, I think the vast majority have no choice. I find it morally reprehensible. Not to mention the elusive dream of retiring myself someday...

Vinca

(54,164 posts)
6. I've noticed lately at the grocery store the average age of the cashiers and baggers looks to be about 70.
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 03:56 PM
Apr 13

As you said, some work just to stay active, but you know some are working because they have to. Trump exploiting that lady is really something. I'm sure whatever savings reaped from the "no tax on tips" is more than lost at the gas pump and grocery store in one week.

Lifeafter70

(1,136 posts)
9. I'm 74 and just retired from working for a grocery store
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 04:16 PM
Apr 13

I earned around 60k a year plus health insurance, 401k and yearly vacation pay.
We also get 20% off our groceries including 🍷
I would of continued working but my son went into hospice and I'm his caregiver.
Just wanted to let you know not all grocery clerks earn minimum wage. Depends on who you work for.

But I get what your saying. I thought the same thing when I saw her standing next to him. It is sick to use her to brag about a tax breaks that had a lot of strings attached to it and disappears in three years. Just like the break he gave ss recipients.

A_Woman_from_MI

(191 posts)
11. Well, that sheds a different light, to be sure
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 04:23 PM
Apr 13

20% off groceries and wine? Just this very second recalculating retirement plans!

I'll also be a little less concerned about the seniors scanning my groceries

Lifeafter70

(1,136 posts)
15. Lol
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 04:49 PM
Apr 13

Sorry but this is kind of a pet peeve with me. I can't tell you how many customers over the years have said insensitive things or how they could do my job. They see me in the check stand and think that's all I do. We do a lot more than scan to groceries. In fact due repetitive muscle use we were never in the checkstand for more than a hour at a time and no more then three hours for the entire shift. We did everything from stocking, checking, unloading the delivery truck and ordering product.
Plus you won't see a self checkout either. Our customer's are not expected to work for free.

Door dash is a whole different thing, they pay very little, below minimum wage. She is in a right to work state so they may be able to use credit card tips to offset her pay. I know they do that with restaurants.
I'm not buying her story. I think she may be another joe the plumber.

Vinca

(54,164 posts)
18. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give the impression I thought working at a grocery store was low paying. I was trying to
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 05:14 PM
Apr 13

make the point that more and more older people are still working because unless you've got big bucks stashed, a senior can't afford not to. My husband, at 79, is still self-employed and I worked until Covid killed my antique business.

Lifeafter70

(1,136 posts)
21. No you didn't. I just wanted to explain my answer to you
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 05:19 PM
Apr 13

I understood what you were saying .
I would even give you a reference

Midnight Writer

(25,567 posts)
7. Nah, that is just for advanced countries that can afford it. Like Mexico and Canada and Greenland.
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 03:57 PM
Apr 13

winstars

(4,282 posts)
28. She is a GOP plant. She spoke at a GOP hearing last year extolling the merits of the "No Tax On Tips...
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 02:50 AM
Apr 14

Not saying she is lying or anything. Just saying she didn't;t get to the White House whilst working DC...


She speaks at 22:20


&t=1343s

jls4561

(3,212 posts)
2. Look at those giant bags of saturated fat being received by a giant bag of saturated fat.
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 03:42 PM
Apr 13

How much did you tip, Donnie?

Lifeafter70

(1,136 posts)
19. Agree 100 % Door dash pays very little
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 05:14 PM
Apr 13

Those no tax on tips would be eaten up by gas, wear and tear on her vehicle, higher insurance cost.
Also she is in a right to work state. Credit card tips can be used as part of the minimum wage so employers can pay you less than minimum wage. Not sure if it applies to gig workers but is used in the restaurant industry in many right to work states.

Door dash works well for my grandson while in school. He makes most of his money working nights. I doubt she does much night driving or can make as many deliveries per hour as a younger person.

paleotn

(22,460 posts)
4. A pity you don't live in a civilized country, Sharon.
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 03:46 PM
Apr 13

Like, I don't know, freaking Canada?!

Oh, and the no tax on tips? Freaking crumbs, sweetie.

NCDem47

(3,491 posts)
8. WHAT on Earth?!?!
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 04:12 PM
Apr 13

Allllll kinds of wrong being projected here!

A woman of a certain age as a gig worker?? Couldn't afford healthcare??

Just AWFUL optics!! But...this is Trump.

CousinIT

(12,636 posts)
10. NOPE. If we were a decent country, grandma wouldn't have to work..
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 04:21 PM
Apr 13

...to pay for her husband's cancer treatment. We'd have single-payer healthcare and Republicans would not be allowed to destroy and defund Social Security & Medicare.

Johnny2X2X

(24,344 posts)
16. The gig economy
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 04:54 PM
Apr 13

I know that I would do it if I had to. But it still makes me sad sometimes when I get deliveries.

And one thing I see with Doordash is mothers with their children in their car delivering takeout. It's one of the only conceivable jobs you can do while bringing your kids along.

Lifeafter70

(1,136 posts)
22. He is bringing jobs back.
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 05:26 PM
Apr 13

Had to put those snap mom's to work. Don't want anyone getting a free ride.

A_Woman_from_MI

(191 posts)
24. Yes, understood
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 11:04 PM
Apr 13

It was obviously staged. My thought was about what PR point they were trying to make, as my takeaway was how horrifying (yes, actually horrifying) it is that an old grandma has to take a lousy, low-paying job to allow her to pay insurance premiums and medical bills for her husband who has cancer. Yay 'Merica?

RockRaven

(19,580 posts)
26. I saw on Reddit a screenshot of her speaking at a GOP event in Nevada.
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 11:15 PM
Apr 13

If that was genuine, she seems to be a semi-pro (at minimum) operative.

NickB79

(20,389 posts)
25. How's she liking the $4/gal gas then?
Mon Apr 13, 2026, 11:12 PM
Apr 13

All the tip tax money she saved is going right into her tank.

bob4460

(398 posts)
27. look
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 12:59 AM
Apr 14

Please share this!! Trumps "Door Dash Grandma" who he supposedly tipped $100 today, is the same lady from a Nevada hearing last year! She's a MAGA paid prop!!!

Takket

(23,749 posts)
31. yup! here you go!
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 08:04 AM
Apr 14

I think the crux of this story is the delusions of MAGA. I don't think this woman is some actress. I believe her story, and i believe she is so deep in the cult of MAGA that she honestly believes not being taxed on her door dash pays her bills. That when she sits down at the end of the month, and has $10 more that month because of no taxes on tips, and she's trying to pay a $1000 cancer treatment bill, that somehow her mind convinces itself that drumpf has actually fixed all her problems, even as she puts another $990 on her credit card because she has only the $10 to pay on the $1000 bill.

And I think 1/3 of the country is just like her.

You know I knew that Door Dash woman looked familiar

Matt Royer 🤘🏼 (@mattroyer.bsky.social) 2026-04-13T22:50:16.164Z

Mad_Machine76

(24,974 posts)
32. Sort of reminds me
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 08:14 AM
Apr 14

of an encounter that GWB had at one of his Social Security Privatization events that introduced a woman who was working three jobs to support her disabled adult son. Things sure haven’t changed much, unfortunately

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Who thought "DoorDash Gra...