Trump Renames Lake Ontario “Lake America”
World
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America. The change applies to federal use in the United States and concerns the body of water shared by the United States and Canada.
Under the August 27 order, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, working with the Board on Geographic Names, has 30 days to take the necessary steps to update the new name in the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Federal agencies are also instructed to use Lake America on maps, in documents, contracts and official communications.
The White House justified the decision by citing the lake’s historical and economic importance to the United States. The executive order highlights its role in trade, shipping, energy and the development of the Great Lakes region.
Canada has rejected the renaming. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canadians would continue to refer to the body of water as Lake Ontario, stressing the historical significance of the name.
The move is the latest geographic renaming associated with the Trump administration. In January 2025, the White House announced that the Gulf of Mexico would be referred to officially in the United States as the Gulf of America.
The White House justified the decision by citing the lake’s historical and economic importance to the United States. The executive order highlights its role in trade, shipping, energy and the development of the Great Lakes region.
Canada has rejected the renaming. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canadians would continue to refer to the body of water as Lake Ontario, stressing the historical significance of the name.
The move is the latest geographic renaming associated with the Trump administration. In January 2025, the White House announced that the Gulf of Mexico would be referred to officially in the United States as the Gulf of America.
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