Trump Signs Order to Rename Lake Ontario to Lake America
BBC News
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order seeking to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. The move comes amidst a trade dispute between the US and Canada.
Background
- The US imposed new 50% tariffs on $20bn (C$28bn) worth of Canadian goods last week.
- Canada plans to implement "dollar for dollar" counter tariffs next month.
- Trump has repeatedly threatened to rename Lake Ontario on social media during the dispute.
Trump’s Statement:
The move is "official, effective immediately," he declared, adding that his administration has filed all necessary papers to make the change.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Response:
He noted that Lake Ontario has been its name for over 400 years, predating Canada’s formation and even the US Declaration of Independence.
"We know that the United States is changing… but Canadian women and men also know that things must be called by their name, and this lake is called Lake Ontario – today and forever."
Legal Precedents and International Recognition
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Trump previously signed a similar order changing the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which led to a legal dispute with Mexico.
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Google Maps users in the US see "Gulf of America," while those in Mexico see the "Gulf of Mexico."
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There is no universally recognized international body setting names for international waters.
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The US president has discretion over domestic landmark recognition, but other countries are not obligated to follow.
Trump’s Order:
He directed the US Department of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information Service to reflect the name change.
Canadian Disregard:
Canadian officials have dismissed the idea, emphasizing that they’ll continue to call it Lake Ontario.
