Trump requests Apple to rename Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America’ on its maps, according to the Interior Secretary.
In a recent development that underscores the tensions between the United States and Canada amidst an ongoing trade dispute, President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed that Apple change the designation of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” within its mapping application. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed on a media segment that Trump had personally reached out to Apple with this request, suggesting that the updated name could soon be available on the company’s platform.
Lake Ontario, a significant body of water situated between New York State and the Canadian province of Ontario, has long been recognized under its current name. However, this push for a name change follows an executive order signed by Trump, which elevates the issue of geographic naming rights in the context of rising tariffs and trade tensions between the two nations.
On the heels of Trump’s announcement, Google Maps has already begun to reflect this name change for users within the United States. The company indicated that while users in the U.S. will now see “Lake America,” Canadian users will continue to refer to the lake as Lake Ontario. Those accessing the mapping service from other countries will see both names listed, adhering to a practice established by the U.S. Geographic Names Information System, which recognizes different geographic names based on national context.
The push to rename the lake has sparked significant backlash, particularly from opposition leaders in Canada and representatives of Indigenous communities in the United States. Critics argue that renaming the lake disregards the historical and cultural significance associated with its original name, which reflects Indigenous heritage. Concerns have also been raised regarding the legality of such a move, with leaders affirming it undermines treaties established more than two centuries ago.
This isn’t the first instance of President Trump advocating for geographical name changes that extend beyond U.S. borders. Previously, he directed a similar name change for the Gulf of Mexico to be referred to as the Gulf of America, a move that also led to updates by major mapping services.
As the disputes in trade and cultural recognition continue, the implications of such changes in naming conventions open up a broader dialogue on national identity, historical respect, and the political climates influencing these decisions. The future of Lake Ontario’s name remains uncertain as Canada has no obligation to comply with these changes imposed by the U.S. administration. The ongoing situation emphasizes the interplay of geographical representation, domestic policy, and international relations in a complex global landscape.
