Quebec town mayor vows not to talk about Trump following backlash over supportive remarks

The mayor of Louiseville, Que., Yvon Deshaies, has pledged to stop making statements about Donald Trump after landing himself in hot water this week over his support of the U.S. president.

In a video posted on the City of Louiseville’s Facebook page Wednesday, the mayor said his residents are his priority.

Deshaies came under fire for his public admiration for Trump, despite tariff threats which could harm businesses in his municipality.

On Sunday, Deshaies was quoted by the Nouvelliste, a Mauricie, Que., regional newspaper, saying that despite being “disappointed” about the impending 25 per cent tariffs, Trump “is still my man. I make no secret of it.”

In his video address Wednesday, the mayor acknowledged that some of his recent statements “have provoked a reaction.” 

“Today, I want to be clear: From now on, I will no longer comment on the American president … I’m against any tariff or decision that could hurt Louiseville’s economy,” he said. 

The mayor’s address comes days after Meubles Canadel, a family-owned furniture business based in Louiseville, said it was considering withdrawing a $150,000 contribution for the town’s boulodrome project.

Jean Deveault, former vice-president of Canadel who is now retired, said he’s personally withdrawing his donations to the city for this upcoming year — about $11,000 in total.

He said the mayor’s statement “just went too far.”