Trump signs order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America following a breakdown in trade negotiations with Canada. The Canadian government has rejected the change, asserting that they will continue to use the original name for the shared body of water.
Why it matters
This move highlights escalating diplomatic tensions between the US and Canada and raises questions about the limits of unilateral executive power over international geographic landmarks.
Figure caption, Watch: Trump signs executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order seeking to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America.
The move comes after trade talks between the US and Canada collapsed late last week, and the US imposed new 50% tariffs on $20bn (C$28bn) worth of Canadian goods. Canada will implement "dollar for dollar" counter tariffs next month.
Trump has repeatedly posted threats about renaming the lake, one of the five Great Lakes that straddle both countries, on social media amid the trade dispute.
He said on Thursday the move was "official, effective immediately" and that his administration has "filed all the necessary papers, documents" to make the change.
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