President Donald Trump has issued an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America” amidst escalating tensions with Canada. Trump, sitting by a map displaying the new name, criticized Canada for being demanding and unfair in trade dealings, stating they are not a state but act entitled like one. The President defended his actions against American allies, alleging mistreatment by Canadian officials.
The strained relations between the two countries worsened after trade negotiations collapsed, with accusations of last-minute changes from both sides. Prime Minister Mark Carney deemed the agreement unsustainable, leading to Canada announcing retaliatory measures effective from September 8.
Trump’s decision to rename the lake stemmed from a heated exchange with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, where insults were traded. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum supported the name change, emphasizing the importance of reflecting American greatness in geographical features bordering the nation.
In response, Canadian officials expressed disbelief and criticism on social media. Carney affirmed that Lake Ontario would continue to be referred to by its original name, while Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston dismissed the renaming as “foolishness.”
Meanwhile, in a separate event in Winnipeg, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew likened Trump’s actions to an aging rock star replaying old hits, describing the move as uninspired and lacking in merit. Lake Ontario, part of the Great Lakes system, holds historical significance, with its name originating from the Huron Indigenous people’s term “oniatarí:io,” meaning “lake of shining waters.”
Trump’s renaming of Lake Ontario echoes a previous executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This change, restricted to federal documents and geographic services, sparked controversy and even led to a legal dispute between The Associated Press and the White House.