Trump signs order changing Lake Ontario's name 'effective immediately'

President Donald Trump executed an order on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, renaming Lake Ontario as "Lake America" in the United States. The Republican president inked the executive order updating the lake's name for the U.S. geographic naming service, a move that could not compel Canada to adopt the same naming convention.

Trump's desire to rename the lake emerged as the U.S. announced imposing 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods following the breakdown of talks between the countries. Trump's trade war with Canada intensified, with Canada retaliating by imposing tariffs on $20 billion worth of American goods, including steel, dairy products, appliances, and farm equipment.

The president, seated at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, displayed a large sign with a map of the Great Lakes behind him, prominently displaying "Lake America" over Lake Ontario. Trump characterized Canada as "the worst" to deal with on trade, asserting that they feel entitled and cannot be accommodated. The Canadian Prime Minister's office did not respond to a request for comment.