Trump Renames Lake Ontario 'Lake America' as Trade War With Canada Heats Up

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has officially renamed Lake Ontario as "Lake America" for the United States, a symbolic move that comes amid escalating trade tensions with Canada. The former president signed an executive order at the Oval Office that directs the Interior Department to update the lake’s name in the U.S. geographic naming service. The order takes effect immediately, with the name change to be implemented within 30 days.

Trump’s decision follows the U.S. imposition of 50 % tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, a retaliatory measure that Canada has mirrored on $20 billion of American products, including steel, dairy, appliances and farm equipment. The trade dispute has seen the president repeatedly criticize Canada’s close relationship with the U.S., even suggesting it could become the 51st state.

During the signing ceremony, Trump was photographed holding a large map of the Great Lakes with the words "Lake America" emblazoned in red letters. He also displayed a second map proclaiming "MAKING THE GREAT LAKES EVEN GREATER." He stated that all necessary notifications had been made and that the change was now official.

Canadian officials, however, dismissed the renaming. Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the lake’s Indigenous heritage and its historical name, noting that the designation predates both Canadian Confederation and the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the traditional name "Lake Ontario."