World ( The cow news digital )
WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to officially rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” escalating an ongoing trade war and diplomatic friction with Canada.
The presidential decree directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to update federal geographic information systems and official maps to reflect the new designation. Signing the order at the Oval Office, Trump accused Canadian officials of unfair trade practices and retaliatory tariffs, asserting that the renaming aligns with his administration’s economic policies. However, the U.S. administrative order only applies within federal jurisdictions and holds no legal authority over international bodies or Canadian territorial waters.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected the U.S. decision, emphasizing that the body of water will remain Lake Ontario in Canada. Highlighting that the historical name originates from Indigenous heritage and predates both nations, Carney stated that unilateral U.S. administrative changes will not alter the lake’s official identity north of the border.
The provocative move comes amid escalating bilateral tensions following the breakdown of trade negotiations and the imposition of heavy cross-border tariffs. U.S. state leaders, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, also voiced opposition, clarifying that state authorities will continue recognizing the historic name.
