Executive Order Signed
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday officially renaming Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' in US federal records. The order directs the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, to update the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) to reflect the change. Trump signed the order at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, with a large map of the Great Lakes behind him showing 'Lake America' in red letters over Lake Ontario.[S1][S2][S4]
The president had threatened the change earlier in the week on social media, following a heated exchange with Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Trump stated that the US no longer anticipates a significant commercial relationship with the province of Ontario, saying 'We're not going to do a lot of business with Ontario.' The order follows his earlier renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America'.[S1][S4][S6]
Trade War Context
The renaming comes amid a full-blown trade war between the US and Canada. After the collapse of trade negotiations, Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian products worth $20 billion. Trump has also threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian automobiles, trucks, auto parts, and steel to 50% starting January 1, 2027. In response, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on over 700 US products, totaling $20 billion, effective September 8, including 15-50% duties on steel, aluminum, dairy, fish, and seafood.[S1][S2][S4]
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused Washington of trying to subdue Canada, claiming US demands during failed talks sought to 'destroy' Canada's key industries. Canada's Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Ottawa chose not to respond to the 'deliberate' measure. Trump has repeatedly criticized Canada's defense spending, claiming the US defends Canada without compensation, and has suggested Canada should become the 51st state.[S1][S4][S5]
Limited Scope and Reactions
The executive order's scope is limited: while Trump can dictate federal usage, he cannot force Canada or international bodies to adopt the name. The International Hydrographic Organization, of which both countries are members, works to standardize names for international waters, but no single global authority governs such naming. The lake's name originates from the Huron word 'oniatarí:io', meaning 'lake of shining waters', predating European settlement.[S2][S4]
Trump's remarks have been combative, calling Canadian officials 'nasty people' and saying Canada is 'the worst' at trade negotiations. He also mentioned possibly renaming the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. The move has drawn attention to the strained relations between the two neighbors, with Trump questioning Canada's contributions to defense and suggesting the US gets nothing in return for its protection.[S3][S5]
