Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America
President Trump has signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' as part of a symbolic gesture amid trade tensions with Canada. The administration claims the move reflects the fact that the majority of the lake's volume and deepest points are within U.S. territory.
Why it matters
This move represents a significant escalation in diplomatic rhetoric between the U.S. and Canada, potentially impacting bilateral relations and international naming conventions.
Lake Ontario on 25 August 2026, as seen from Youngstown, New York. Lake Ontario on 25 August 2026, as seen from Youngstown, New York. Donald Trump Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America Symbolic move to rename lake bordering New York and Canada comes amid escalating trade war with northern neighbor
Prefer the Guardian on Google Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the federal government to rename Lake Ontario, making it Lake America.
The largely symbolic move comes amid an escalating trade war with Canada .
“As you know, Canada has been ripping us off for a long time on trade. Sad,” Trump said after signing the executive order updating the Department of Interior’s naming conventions. “Even the military: we defend Canada for nothing. We don’t get anything. They don’t pay us to defend Canada. But we defend Canada.”
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