politics

Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America"

Updated on: August 27, 2026 / 5:44 PM EDT / CBS News

Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America"

TL;DR

  • President Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America."
  • The action is framed as part of an ongoing trade war with Canada.
  • The US federal government, through the Geographic Names Information System, will adopt the new name.
  • Canada and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have stated they will not recognize the name change.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the lake's ancient Wendat origin and historical significance.
  • The renaming follows recent tariff increases by both the US and Canada on various imports.
  • Trump has previously attempted to rename geographic features, such as Denali and the Gulf of Mexico.