Trump renames Lake Ontario 'American Lake' in move seen as provocation

President Donald Trump has officially ordered the renaming of Lake Ontario to 'American Lake,' a move that escalates existing tensions with Canada. The executive order, signed by Trump, mandates the immediate update of geographical naming services to reflect the change, citing that the majority of the lake lies on the American side.

This decision is framed as a further provocation against Canada, continuing a pattern of criticism and pressure from the US president. Trump has previously expressed frustration with Canada, stating they are "defending them for nothing" and has long considered Canada becoming the 51st state. He has also threatened and implemented increased tariffs on Canadian goods.

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We will change the name of Lake Ontario immediately to American Lake. It will happen immediately when I sign the order.

The renaming occurs against the backdrop of collapsed trade talks between the two nations. Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on Canadian auto imports significantly in the new year, accusing Canada of "ripping off America" and imposing "absurdly high tariffs" on US agricultural products. He declared, "Canada will no longer be treated like a country!"

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The American tariffs were designed to harm and divide us. These are miscalculations, because Canadians will always support each other.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded critically, stating that the American tariffs were designed to harm and divide Canada. He characterized the US proposals during recent trade negotiations as unfavorable, noting that the US sought to limit Canada's ability to form new trade agreements and undermine its economic sectors and French language protections. Carney summarized the US position as "wanting too much and offering too little."

Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes, straddles the border between the United States and Canada, with the boundary running through its center. This action follows Trump's previous executive actions, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and restoring Mount McKinley's name to Denali.

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In short, they wanted too much and offered too little.