Canada installs large Lake Ontario sign in latest jab at US

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has retaliated against Donald Trump by erecting a sizable sign along Canada's Lake Ontario shoreline, declaring: "Lake Ontario. Now and Always." President Trump recently signed an executive order attempting to rename the lake to "Lake America," and has circulated AI-generated videos suggesting the lake's new name.

Ford emphasized that the lake has been known by its current name "Lake Ontario" both before and after Trump's presidency. The dispute arose after trade negotiations broke down, with the US imposing 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, to which Canada plans to respond with equal tariffs next month. Trump announced the name change effective immediately upon signing the order.

While Trump retains authority over how the US recognizes landmarks, international agreements dictate that other nations are not obligated to comply. Ford dismissed Trump's actions, stating that the president was motivated by his dislike of Ontario and Canada's self-advocacy. Trump's decision comes after he renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" in 2024, which Mexico and Google Maps have challenged in differing ways.