Trump signs order to rename Lake Ontario 'Lake America' amid Canada trade war - CNBC
President Trump has signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' amid escalating trade tensions with Canada. Canadian officials have rejected the change, stating they will continue to use the original name.
Why it matters
The move represents a highly symbolic and provocative escalation in diplomatic and trade relations between the U.S. and Canada.
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order that he said will "immediately" change the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America."
Trump's attempt to rename the Great Lake, which straddles the U.S. northern border with Canada, came as a recent breakdown in trade talks between Washington and Ottawa has led to new retaliatory tariffs and a rapidly deteriorating relationship.
Trump in recent days had repeatedly threatened to take the symbolic step, but it was unclear if he was being serious. Canadian officials have already said they will not recognize the new name. Countries can use different names for the same geographical features.
"We're going to be changing the name of Lake Ontario, effective immediately, to Lake America," Trump said in the Oval Office before signing the executive order.
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