Google Maps Updates Name of Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' Amid Controversy

<p>President Trump’s order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America" has generated controversy as tech companies evaluate whether to comply. </p><p><strong>The big picture:</strong> Google and other digital map providers, including MapQuest and Apple, have differing responses regarding the name change. </p><hr /><p><strong>Driving the news:</strong> An Axios review of Google and Apple Maps on August 30, 2026, indicated that Google now labels the body of water as "Lake America" on both mobile and desktop platforms, while Apple Maps continues to display it as Lake Ontario. </p><ul><li>Google stated that the updates were made in accordance with changes from the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and that Google Maps was updated to reflect name changes from official government sources.</li><li>Despite Google’s assertion that users in Canada would still see Lake Ontario, "Lake America" was visible on some Ontario government agency websites that utilize Google Maps data.</li><li>Representatives for Google did not respond to Axios' request for comment on the evening of August 30.</li></ul><img src="https://images.axios.com/6525zz_Joss8M5bUgsquCoJw1RM=/2026/08/30/1788133504365.jpeg" /> <div>Screenshot: Ontario Premier Doug Ford/ Ontario Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Stephen Crawford/X</div><p><strong>Zoom out:</strong> Google indicated that users in the U.S. would see Lake America, while users in Canada would see Lake Ontario, and users in other countries would also see Lake Ontario (Lake America), according to the company’s statement.</p><ul><li>Google emphasized that these updates are consistent with its policy regarding bodies of water with names that differ by country and are being implemented gradually.</li><li>Previously, Google had changed the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" following another executive order from Trump, which led to threats of legal action from Mexico.</li><li>Apple representatives were not available for comment regarding their position on the name change.</li></ul><p><strong>What they're saying:</strong> The backlash against the name change was immediate after Trump signed the executive order on August 27.</p><ul><li>Ontario Premier Doug Ford likened the decision to a "Saturday Night Live" skit during an appearance on ABC's "This Week," stating: "No one's going to call it Lake America. It's been Lake Ontario for hundreds of years. It's going to continue being Lake Ontario. It's just so disappointing." </li></ul><p><strong>Between the lines:</strong> Not all mapping services are changing their names.</p><ul><li>MapQuest, which has been providing internet mapping services for nearly a decade longer than Google, announced that it would not alter its maps to reflect Trump’s order. The company stated, "We're not changing the name of Lake Ontario. Name it whatever you want at your leisure," in a tweet that gained significant attention.</li></ul><p><strong>Go deeper:</strong> <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/27/trump-lake-ontario-america-democrats-bill" target="_blank">Scoop: Dems plan bill to counter Trump's "Lake America" order</a></p><p><em>Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the appearance of "Lake America" on Ontario government agency websites using Google Maps data.</em></p>