Google has updated its maps application to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' for users in the United States, following an order by President Donald Trump. The change reflects a recent directive amid ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, which have resulted in significant tariffs imposed by both countries on each other's goods. This update comes after a similar action in 2025 when Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed as the Gulf of America.
In a blog post, Google stated that the decision aligns with its practice of using names assigned by the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). 'People using Maps in the U.S. will see 'Lake America,' those in Canada will continue to see 'Lake Ontario,' and those outside of the U.S. and Canada will see both names,' the company said. The updates are currently being rolled out.
Trump's decision to rename the lake has been met with mockery and indifference in both Canada and the United States. Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to the order with a large sign on the Canadian shore stating, 'Lake Ontario. Now and forever.'
As of now, the White House, the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Ford's office have not commented on Google's decision. Google, based in Mountain View, California, is a leading search engine and digital advertising network, with its parent company being Alphabet Inc.