U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. federal agencies to use the name “Lake America” for Lake Ontario. The decision has quickly drawn criticism from Canadian officials and leaders in New York.
The name change comes as the United States and Canada remain involved in a major trade dispute. Canada shares more than half of the lake’s surface area, making the decision especially controversial.
Quick Facts
| What happened | Trump ordered U.S. agencies to use the name “Lake America” for Lake Ontario. |
| Where | Lake Ontario, near the U.S. Canada border. |
| When | August 28, 2026. |
| Who is involved | Donald Trump, Mark Carney, and Kathy Hochul. |
| Current status | The U.S. uses “Lake America,” while Canada still uses “Lake Ontario.” |
| Why it matters | The name change could increase tensions between the U.S. and Canada. |
Trump Announces Lake America Name Change
Trump announced the name change at the White House on Thursday.
He said the lake would immediately become known as Lake America in U.S. federal use. However, the order does not control how Canada, international organizations, or other groups refer to the lake.
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It sits between Ontario, Canada, and New York State.
The announcement came shortly after U.S. Canada trade negotiations broke down. Both governments blamed the other side for the failure of the talks.
Canada and New York Reject Lake America Name
Lake Ontario has carried its current name for more than 400 years.
About 52% of the lake’s surface area is in Canada, while the remaining area borders New York.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also rejected the new name. She said New York would continue using Lake Ontario.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, criticized the decision as well. He described it as petty and disappointing.
Grand Chief Pierre Picard of the Wendat Nation in Quebec also condemned the name change. He said the historic name has important cultural significance.
U.S. Canada Tensions Grow Over Trade Dispute
The dispute comes during a difficult period in U.S. Canada relations.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Canada’s trade policies and has imposed tariffs affecting cross border commerce. Canadian officials have opposed several U.S. trade demands.
Trump has also repeatedly talked about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state. Canadian leaders have rejected that idea.
In January 2025, Trump ordered the U.S. federal government to use “Gulf of America” instead of Gulf of Mexico. The change applied to federal usage in the United States.
What Happens Next in U.S. Canada Dispute
U.S. federal agencies are expected to follow the new naming order when referring to the lake.
Canada has made clear that it will continue using the name Lake Ontario.
The bigger issue remains the U.S. Canada trade dispute. Future negotiations could determine whether both sides can reach an agreement and reduce economic tensions.
The move comes at a sensitive time for U.S. Canada relations, with trade negotiations already facing serious problems. For now, the United States and Canada will continue using different names for the same lake.
