People enjoy the warm weather on the Gord Edgar Downie Pier at Lake Ontario in Kingston, Ont., on Thursday, May 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
The name of one of the Great Lakes has recently caught the attention of U. S. President Donald Trump after trade discussions with Canada fell apart less than a week ago.
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. This decision followed two days after he hinted on his social media platform Truth Social that he was “giving serious consideration” to this idea.
Earlier in the week, Trump and Ontario Premier Doug Ford exchanged personal barbs over the ongoing tariff dispute.
Here’s some more context about Trump’s history with changing geographic names.
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WHY DOES TRUMP WANT TO RENAME LAKE ONTARIO?
The threat to rename this Great Lake that borders both Ontario and New York came shortly after Ford and Trump traded insults. The premier called Trump a bully and told him to “kiss my ass,” prompting Trump’s response where he described Ford as a less charismatic version of his late brother Rob Ford who was a controversial former Toronto mayor. On Tuesday, Trump repeatedly posted remarks about Canada claiming that it was “ripping off” the United States. He also mentioned that his country does not expect further business relations with Ontario “much longer.” Additionally, he shared a map showing Lake Ontario’s name crossed out and replaced with Lake America. Since then, Ford has toned down his language and is now urging both sides for an agreement; however he stated that he doesn’t regret his earlier comments because they gained attention worldwide.HOW DID LAKE ONTARIO GET ITS NAME?
The name dates back even before Canada existed. Historians suggest that Lake Ontario’s name originates from Iroquoian languages meaning “beautiful lake” or “sparkling water,” as noted by the Canadian Encyclopedia. European settlers began referring to it as “Ontario” in 1641 according to encyclopedia records; by 1656 it appeared on maps as well. The province of Ontario takes its name from this lake.WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR NAMING CANADIAN LAKES?
Established in 1897, the Geographical Names Board of Canada has approved over 350,000 place names throughout its history. Anyone can propose new names for geographical features in Canada-individuals or organizations alike can submit suggestions. When making a request for a new name change approval from the board requires providing details such as reasons behind it along with origin and meaning of proposed names along with contact information for local residents who can verify its use plus photos or sketches if available. Canada isn’t obligated to acknowledge changes made by other nations regarding naming conventions. Even if Trump’s attempt at renaming succeeds stateside , he can’t enforce how others around world refer it.WHAT OTHER PLACES HAS TRUMP RENAMED – OR TRIED TO?
After taking office in January 2025 , one of Trump’s first actions involved signing an executive order aiming at changing Gulf Mexico’s title into Gulf America.For more than four centuries , Gulf Mexico retained its original designation ; thus Trump’s directive only applies within US borders.Additionally , Trump signed an executive order reverting North America’s highest peak back again Mount Mc Kinley instead Denali which was renamed under former president Barack Obama due preference expressed from locals including Indigenous Peoples.However , through his executive action , Trump claimed wanting restore great president William Mc Kinley’s name Mount Mc Kinley.This report first August 27th ,2026 Canadian Press.– With files The Associated Press What do you think of this article?Source link
