President Donald Trump says he is thinking about renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” He made the comment on social media as the trade fight between the United States and Canada gets worse.
Trump said the US is giving “serious consideration” to the name change. He added that the country does not expect to do much business with Ontario going forward. The comment came right after the US placed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods.
Canada is expected to hit back with its own tariffs. Talks between the two countries broke down over the weekend, which pushed the trade dispute further.
Ontario is Canada’s most populated province. It is also home to Canada’s auto industry, which is a major part of the country’s economy.
Not His First Renaming Move
This is not the first time Trump has floated changing the name of a body of water. He renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” through an executive order last year. Some tech companies, including Google and Apple, updated their maps to reflect that change. Most countries outside the US still call it the Gulf of Mexico.
Lake Ontario’s current name comes from the Iroquoian word “oniatarí:io.” It means “lake of shining waters,” according to the Center for Great Lakes Literacy.
Trump has not signed any order to rename Lake Ontario. For now, it remains just a suggestion posted online.
Trade Tensions Behind the Comment
The renaming idea comes at a tense moment for US-Canada relations. Tariffs on Canadian goods jumped to 50% after negotiations stalled. Canada has said it plans to respond with tariffs of its own.
Ontario’s economy leans heavily on trade with the US, especially in the auto sector. Any prolonged tariff fight could hit jobs and manufacturing on both sides of the border.
FAQ
Has Trump officially renamed Lake Ontario?
No. He has only said he is considering it. No executive order has been signed.
Why did Trump bring this up now?
The comment came right after the US imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods and trade talks between the two countries collapsed.
Did Trump rename a body of water before?
Yes. He renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” through an executive order last year.
How is Ontario connected to this trade dispute?
Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and home to its auto industry, making it central to US-Canada trade.
