Lake Ontario to Become Lake America?
Scott Jennings > Video
Thursday, August 27, 2026
In a recent executive move, President signed an order to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America, effective immediately. This decision is rooted in the belief that the lake, which holds most of its volume within the United States, should reflect its geographical alignment. The order directs the Secretary of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) to reflect this name change. While the President aims to standardize the name for federal use, it remains to be seen how this change will be received internationally. The President's move comes amidst ongoing trade negotiations with Canada, which have recently escalated with reciprocal tariffs. Although the President stated that no specific message is being sent to Canada, his comments highlighted long-standing trade grievances with the country. This executive order marks a significant, albeit symbolic, shift in how the U.S. government identifies and represents one of its natural landmarks.
