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Trump Signs Executive Order Renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America”

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27.08.2026

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Amid an ongoing trade war with Canada, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Thursday renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” despite the fact that a majority of its surface area resides within Canadian territory.

Trump’s executive order did not discuss the breakdown of trade negotiations. Instead, the order, titled “Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America,” claimed the president was changing the lake’s name to “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 order also stated that the U.S. is the “greatest protector of the Great Lakes, including the body of water currently known as Lake Ontario” — despite Trump administration policies that threaten the safety and cleanliness of the lakes.

The order requires the Interior Department to “rename as ‘Lake America’ the body of water currently named as Lake Ontario” in all official map-related government documents, “including on executive department and agency maps, contracts, and other documents and communications.” Although social media posts from the administration after Trump signed the order indicated it would become “effective immediately,” the department’s actions may take up to a calendar month to complete.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Lake Ontario is renamed to LAKE AMERICA! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ZFww8PexiW— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 27,........

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