Trump would rename Lake Ontario 'Lake America', but cannot unilaterally order Canada

Former President Donald Trump has indicated he would rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' if given the opportunity. This proposal touches upon the naming conventions of significant geographic features.

However, the extent of presidential authority in such matters is limited. While a US president can indeed dictate how the American federal government officially refers to and uses geographic names within its jurisdiction, this power does not grant the ability to unilaterally impose new names on bodies of water located in or shared with other sovereign nations.

Specifically, regarding Lake Ontario, which straddles the border between the United States and Canada, any official renaming would require agreement and action from both countries. Trump's statement, therefore, highlights a potential desire for symbolic change rather than a feasible executive order concerning Canadian territory or shared waters.

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The president can determine how the US federal government uses a geographic name, but cannot unilaterally order Canada how to name a body of water.