President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America amid a tariff dispute with Canada that has escalated over the past several days.
“We’re going to be changing the name of Lake Ontario, effective immediately, to Lake America,” Trump told reporters inside the Oval Office. “That’s going to take place right now as I sign the order.”
The order will direct Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to update the Geographic Names Information System and certify the change within 30 days.
“As I announced in Executive Order 14172 of January 20, 2025 (Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness), it is the policy of my Administration to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the American people and the rich heritage of our history by naming great natural landmarks for our shared achievements,” the decree read.
“The United States is the greatest protector of the Great Lakes, including the body of water currently known as Lake Ontario,” it continued. “Without the security and investment provided by the United States, this freshwater system would not be open for shipping, recreation, and responsible use to the same extent as it is today. The United States Coast Guard supplies 9 of the 11 ice breaking vessels on the Great Lakes, securing commercial shipping lanes free of charge.”