Trump Renames Lake Ontario to Lake America Amid Trade War

President Donald Trump issued an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America, citing an escalating trade war with Canada. Trump claimed that Canada has been ripping the United States off on trade for a long time and stated the name change recognizes the heritage of the American people. The United States Department of the Interior began updating geographic systems to reflect the change, and Google updated its maps for users within the United States, while Canadian users continue to see the original name.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the move, noting that the name Ontario originates from the Wendat word Ontari’io, meaning the lake is beautiful and big. In the United States, the decision drew mixed reactions. While some residents in Ontario, New York, supported the patriotic gesture, others viewed it as an erasure of history.

Local government officials in New York also pushed back. Republicans on the Oswego County Legislature approved a committee resolution to continue using the name Lake Ontario. Legislators argued that updating marketing materials and business names would impose high costs on the county and small businesses. While acknowledging federal naming authority, the legislature expressed concerns regarding regional identity, tourism, and relationships with Canadian trade partners.