Trump renames Lake Ontario 'Lake America' amid trade dispute

President Trump has officially renamed Lake Ontario to "Lake America," signing an executive order Thursday to enact the change. The move follows a threat made on social media earlier this week, where Trump stated the U.S. was giving "serious consideration" to altering the lake's name and posted a map crossing out "Lake Ontario."

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We're going to be changing the name of Lake Ontario, effective immediately, to Lake America

"We're going to be changing the name of Lake Ontario, effective immediately, to Lake America," the president announced before signing the order in the Oval Office. He also suggested the U.S. would cease "doing much business with Ontario any longer." This action is the latest development in the president's trade war with Canada.

The executive order directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to update the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which standardizes geographic names for federal use. While the U.S. government can mandate the name change for federal purposes, it cannot compel other countries or international bodies to adopt "Lake America."

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No message

When asked about the message this order sends to Canada, Trump responded, "No message." However, he immediately followed by stating, "As you know, Canada has been ripping us off for a long time on trade, very, very sadly. Even the military. You know, we defend Canada for nothing." Canada has not yet responded to the executive order. In a similar past instance, some private entities adopted the name "Gulf of America" when Trump attempted to rename the Gulf of Mexico.

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As you know, Canada has been ripping us off for a long time on trade, very, very sadly. Even the military. You know, we defend Canada for nothing.