US President Trump Announces Plan to Rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America'
Executive order targets geographic naming within US borders amid escalating trade tensions with Canada
Quick Look
- President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario 'Lake America' within US territory, citing trade disputes with Canada.
- The move follows recent 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods after failed negotiations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US and Canada are currently engaged in a trade dispute involving 50% tariffs on $20 billion of goods. This follows the collapse of trade negotiations between the two nations.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would rename Lake Ontario "Lake America" in the United States, as his trade dispute with Canada intensifies.
The Republican president signed an executive order directing the US agency responsible for geographic names to update the lake's name. The order applies only in the United States, meaning Trump cannot require Canada to adopt the new name.
The move echoes Trump's decision last year to rename the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America".
Trump signed the order at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, with a large map of the Great Lakes displayed behind him. The words "Lake America" appeared in large red letters over Lake Ontario.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described Canada as "the worst" country to deal with on trade.
"They think they are entitled to everything and we cannot allow it," he said.
The announcement comes amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa, after the United States announced 50% tariffs on around $20 billion (€17.17 billion) worth of Canadian goods following the collapse of negotiations between the two countries.
Trump has repeatedly increased pressure on the United States' northern neighbour since returning to the White House last year. He has also suggested that Canada, a longstanding US ally, should become the country's 51st state.
Open Questions
- Will the US geographic agency comply with the order?
- How will the Canadian government respond to the renaming?
