Trump has asked Apple to change Lake Ontario name to ‘Lake America’ on its maps, interior chief says

Google Maps now displays "Lake America" for users in the United States, following an order by President Donald Trump to rename Lake Ontario. This change, which also occurred in 2025 when the Gulf of Mexico was renamed "Gulf of America" under a similar presidential order, aligns with Google's policy of using names from the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Users in Canada will continue to see "Lake Ontario," while those outside both countries will see both names. The renaming comes amid an escalating trade war between the U.S. and Canada. The decision has been met with criticism, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford posting a message on the Canadian shore stating, "Lake Ontario. Now and forever."

Google Maps has updated the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" for users in the United States, following a decision by a US government agency. This change reflects a decree by US President Donald Trump amidst escalating trade tensions with Canada. Google stated that the name will remain Lake Ontario for Canadian users and will display both names for users outside the US and Canada. This action is part of a broader trade dispute where the US has imposed tariffs on Canadian products. Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have rejected the name change, emphasizing the lake's historical Indigenous name and its long-standing identity as Lake Ontario.

Google Maps has updated its application to display "Lake America" for users in the United States, following an order by US President Donald Trump to rename Lake Ontario. This change, implemented days after Trump's directive, aligns with an ongoing trade dispute between the US and Canada, which has seen both nations impose tariffs. Google stated that this decision is consistent with its practice of using names designated by the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The article notes a similar renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" in 2025 after a presidential order.

U.S. President Donald Trump has requested that Apple change the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on its maps app, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. This request follows Trump's executive order last week to rename the body of water, which sits between the U.S. and Canada, as part of an escalating trade dispute with Canada. Google Maps has already updated its U.S. users' maps to display "Lake America," while continuing to show "Lake Ontario" for users in Canada and internationally. The Seneca Nation has criticized the move, stating it violates a treaty and disrespects Indigenous peoples. This is not the first time Trump has sought to rename bodies of water, having previously ordered the Gulf of Mexico be renamed "Gulf of America."

President Donald Trump has requested that Apple rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on its Maps platform, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. This follows a similar change made by Google for its US-based users over the weekend, though Canadian users still see the original name. The renaming initiative stems from an executive order by the President. MapQuest, another US map provider, has stated it will not make the name change. In Canada, an electrical utility company apologized for displaying "Lake America" on its maps, attributing the error to a third-party mapping service and vowing to correct it.

Amid an escalating tariff war with Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 27, 2026, renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America." Trump stated the change was linked to Canada's trade practices and their perceived mistreatment of the U.S. The executive order directs the Secretary of the Interior to work with the Board on Geographic Names on the change within 30 days. Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have rejected the renaming, asserting the lake's historical name will remain. Experts suggest the unilateral action could damage U.S. negotiation capabilities and is seen by some as an attempt to erase Indigenous history.

Quebec's premier, Christine Fréchette, stated that Canada-U.S. trade negotiations are "far from over" and that she requires more information from Prime Minister Mark Carney before approving an emerging agreement. Fréchette specifically seeks assurances that Quebec's dairy and forestry sectors will be adequately protected and pushed back against a quick restoration of U.S. alcohol sales in provincial stores, asserting Quebec will decide on this matter independently. Canada and the U.S. are nearing a trade deal to avert threatened U.S. tariffs, with tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports postponed until Saturday. While provinces do not have a veto, they control measures like alcohol sales. Other premiers, like Nova Scotia's Tim Houston, support the talks' direction but acknowledge the complexity of restoring U.S. alcohol sales.

A trade war between the US and Canada has led to significant tariff increases on various goods, impacting consumers on both sides of the border. Following the breakdown of trade negotiations, Canada announced tariffs of 25-50% on nearly 900 American products, including paper goods like toilet paper and facial tissues, starting September 8th. This retaliatory measure comes after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian dairy products and other goods. The US imports a substantial amount of toilet paper from Canada, and lumber from Canada is crucial for US paper production, suggesting price hikes for American consumers. The dispute also affects Canadian liquor, American fishing products, and the automotive industry. While US officials claim the tariffs won't affect American consumers, the economic ties between the nations suggest otherwise.

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs on over 700 U.S. products, totaling $19.9 billion, set to take effect on September 8. This action follows the collapse of trade talks with Washington and matches the value of new U.S. duties imposed by President Trump. The Canadian counter-tariffs will impact sectors including steel, aluminum, dairy, and agriculture, with rates ranging from 15 to 50 percent. The Canadian government also unveiled a $5.42 billion funding package to support businesses affected by the trade dispute. These measures escalate the trade war, which intensified after the U.S. imposed 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods and announced further auto tariffs.