Trump signs order renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America

On August 27, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, effective immediately. The move is part of an escalating verbal feud with Canada, with Trump referring to Canada as 'nasty' in connection with the decision.

The renaming has drawn criticism from Canadian officials and observers, who view it as a provocative gesture rather than a substantive policy change. The order applies to U.S. federal references, but the lake itself is shared with Canada, and the international name remains unchanged.