Trump renames Lake Ontario “Lake America” amid spat with Canada

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday issued an executive order renaming Lake Ontario, whose waters are split between the United States and Canada. The lake would now be named Lake America, he said. Trump directed the Department of the Interior to update the name on all U.S. government maps and systems. The order will likely face legal challenges. It comes amid an escalating trade war between the United States and Canada.

Trump said that the name change would better recognize the lake’s contribution to U.S. heritage, culture, and industry. The United States also held more of the lake’s volume than did Canada, and it contributed more icebreaking ships and funding to the lake’s upkeep, he said.

The lake touches the Canadian province of Ontario. However, the United States also has several cities and counties bearing the name Ontario, including a New York town along the edge of the lake. The name comes from the Iroquoian language spoken by several indigenous tribes. The word “oniatarí:io” means “lake of shining waters,” according to the Center for Great Lakes Literacy.

How did Canadian officials respond to the change? Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the body of water would always be Lake Ontario, and that the attempt to change the name was further proof that America’s relationships were changing. He said that indigenous peoples’ word for the lake described it best.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded similarly, saying the name would remain Lake Ontario to both Canadians and the rest of the world.