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Canada, NY lawmaker denounce Lake Ontario rename
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. Canada rejects the name, calling it part of their foundation.
Background
The renaming is part of an escalating trade war between the U.S. and Canada. Trump first floated the idea on Truth Social, and after signing the order, he compared it to renaming the Gulf of Mexico. Canada has said it will not recognize the new name.
How it unfolded
- Aug 25, 2026Trump posts on Truth Social that the U.S. is considering renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America, citing reduced business with Ontario.
- Aug 26, 2026Canadian Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly rejects the idea, saying Canada will always call it Lake Ontario.
- Aug 27, 2026Trump signs an executive order directing the federal government to rename the lake, effective immediately.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Trump says the renaming is a response to Canada's trade practices, calling Canada 'nasty' and difficult to deal with.
- Official
- Canadian officials, including Mélanie Joly, say the lake is part of Canada's foundation and they will continue to call it Lake Ontario.
- Expert
- Geography professor Reuben Rose-Redwood calls the move 'pure rage bait' and a distraction from trade negotiations.