Trump Renames Lake Ontario Amidst Trade War, Igniting Canadian Fury
U.S. President's unilateral decree to call shared waterway 'Lake America' draws swift condemnation and retaliatory measures from Canada.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
U.S. President Donald Trump has unilaterally renamed Lake Ontario to 'Lake America', sparking a fierce dispute with Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
The controversial renaming occurred amidst a broader trade war between the U.S. and Canada, which has seen tariffs imposed on various imports.
President Trump held a signing ceremony to formalize the name change as official U.S. government policy; the move has drawn widespread condemnation.
Google Maps announced it would feature the name change for its U.S. customers; critics claim the Trump administration pressured the company into this decision.
Canadian officials across the political spectrum have denounced Trump's action, stating unequivocally that they will not recognize the change.
Canada reportedly responded to the U.S. move with retaliatory levies of up to 50 percent on a range of American goods.
The executive order directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to update the Geographic Names Information System, removing references to Lake Ontario from government materials within 30 days.
President Trump stated that his administration's policy is to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the American people and the rich heritage of their history by naming great natural landmarks for shared achievements.
He also claimed the U.S. holds most of the lake's volume because its deepest part lies within U.S. territory, asserting these changes must be made within 30 days.
This is not the first such attempt by the Trump administration; it previously tried to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
Trump also hinted at potentially renaming one or more of the world's oceans next.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts reportedly reverted to its original name after a judge ruled Trump's name was added illegally.
Unnamed sources claim Trump's board is now attempting to rename the center the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated by President Donald J Trump, with members also wanting to rename a plaza in front of the building after him.
There are also rumblings that the Trump administration wants to rename New York City's Penn Station after the president.