Ontario premier slams Trump's executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Seneca Nation calls for reversal

Updated on: August 29, 2026 / 4:50 PM EDT / CBS News

Ontario premier slams Trump's executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Seneca Nation calls for reversal

TL;DR

  • Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled a sign on Lake Ontario stating "Lake Ontario - Now and Always" to protest President Trump's executive order to rename it.
  • Ford criticized Trump's action as an attempt to rename the lake due to political disagreements between Canada and the U.S.
  • The Seneca Nation President, J. Conrad Seneca, also denounced the renaming order, citing treaty violations and disrespect for Indigenous heritage.
  • The dispute unfolds amidst a trade war involving significant tariffs imposed by both the U.S. and Canada.
  • Leaders from both countries have exchanged critical remarks regarding the trade conflict and their bilateral relationship.