President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the US government to use the new ‘Lake America’ name immediately|@WhiteHouse|X
President Donald Trump has given Lake Ontario a new name: “Lake America,” adding another provocative move to his growing dispute with Canada.
Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing the US government to use the new name immediately. He presented maps showing Lake America and said he had considered the change for a long time.
The decision only applies to official US government use. Canada and international organizations cannot be forced to use the new name.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford made clear that Canadians will still call it Lake Ontario.
The announcement comes as trade tensions intensify. The US recently imposed 50% tariffs on some Canadian products after negotiations stalled, while Canada responded with its own tariffs.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Canada over trade and suggested more geographic name changes could follow.