gg2
Trump renames Lake Ontario to Lake America
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America. The move escalates a trade war with Canada, which refuses to accept the change.
Background
The renaming follows a breakdown in U.S.-Canada trade talks, with Washington imposing 50% tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada threatening counter-tariffs. Trump previously renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, and this move is seen as part of his 'America First' ideology.
How it unfolded
- Aug 27, 2026Trump signs executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America, directing Interior Secretary to update the Geographic Names Information System within 30 days.
- Aug 29, 2026Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveils a billboard on the Canadian shoreline reading 'Lake Ontario — Now and Always' in English and French.
- Aug 30, 2026Google Maps updates the lake's name to Lake America for U.S. users, while Canadian users still see Lake Ontario.
- Sep 2, 2026Apple Maps follows suit, renaming the lake for U.S. users, with Canadian users still seeing Lake Ontario.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Trump says the renaming is official and effective immediately, asserting the U.S. can change the name regardless of Canada's stance.
- Official
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will keep calling it Lake Ontario, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls the move 'something out of Saturday Night Live'.
- Public
- Social media backlash followed Google's map change, with critics mocking the decision.
Still unverified
Trump hinted at possibly renaming the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, but no official proposal has been made.