Lake Ontario now called Lake America on Google Maps for US users after Trump ordered name change

Google has changed the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America in its U.S. version of the Google Maps application, in line with a directive from President Donald Trump. The change occurred amidst a trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada, which has resulted in increased tariffs on each other's goods. Google's decision aligns with its practice of using names approved by the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS).

While users in the U.S. will now see "Lake America," those in Canada will continue to see "Lake Ontario," and users outside of the U.S. and Canada will see both names. This update follows a similar change made by Google in 2025 when Trump ordered the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The move has drawn both mockery and indifference in both countries.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to the order with a billboard on the Canadian shore, stating "Lake Ontario. Now and forever." The White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's office, and Ford's office have not yet commented on Google's decision. Google is a leading technology company based in Mountain View, California, and is part of Alphabet Inc.