National Weather Service Implements Executive Order to Rename Lake Ontario

<figure><img alt="FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to sign executive orders related to beef, in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 4, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/KKQFVKZVPNHQZJKCVUNTTEQIOA.JPG?auth=b55622009d48b619b3caf106a6475694150e1ad7931a51efcb6da72a22725fd0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6500&amp;height=3656" /><figcaption>Evelyn Hockstein / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>The National Weather Service (NWS) announced on September 15, 2026, that it will adopt President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America. This decision has prompted criticism from various individuals and groups.</p><p>NWS official Courtney Draggon stated that the agency is working to update naming conventions on maps, weather products, and other materials. The NWS is part of the Department of Commerce, which is required to follow presidential directives.</p><p>The agency previously implemented Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and referred to Denali as Mount McKinley.</p><p>Critics have expressed their discontent on social media, with one user stating, “The National Weather Service naming Lake Ontario to Lake America!! Cowards!!!!” Another user remarked, “Not a single backbone among them.”</p><p>Texas Representative Veronica Escobar commented, “Imagine if the president cared about making your life better with the same intensity and dedication he has for trolling and pettiness?”</p><p>In his executive order, Trump emphasized the economic significance of the lake, stating, “The Lake will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy.” He issued the order following a breakdown in trade talks with Canada.</p><p>Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to Trump’s remarks, indicating that Canada is becoming less dependent on the United States.</p><p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/weather-service-sparks-outrage-with-trump-pleasing-lake-america-move/">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p>