Google Maps Renames Lake Ontario to Lake America for US Users

In a recent update, Google Maps has officially changed the name of “Lake Ontario” to “Lake America” for users in the United States. This alteration aligns with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump aimed at renaming the smallest of the Great Lakes.

This name change comes amidst an increasingly tense trade dispute with Canada, which has led both countries to impose tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of goods. Trump’s announcement, made on Thursday, has stirred quite a bit of discussion on both sides of the border.

The decision affects the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which provides the standards for US maps. However, it’s worth noting that this change doesn’t impact how Canada refers to the lake or how it’s identified globally.

Google addressed the situation in a blog post—clearly stating that while US users will now see “Lake America,” Canadians will retain the name “Lake Ontario.” And for those outside of the US and Canada, both names will be displayed.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Google Maps has implemented such a change. Last year, following Trump’s first executive order upon taking office, the Gulf of Mexico was renamed the “Gulf of America.” It’s kind of astounding how geographical names can get wrapped up in politics like this.

The White House, as well as offices of Canadian and provincial leaders, have not made any immediate comments regarding Google’s decision following the change.

There has been some pushback against Trump’s name change. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney promptly dismissed it, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, stated firmly, “New York won’t be calling it that.” Meanwhile, Phil Scott, Vermont’s Republican governor, described the move as “petty and disappointing” on social media. It seems like, at least in those regions, there’s a strong sentiment against it.

In a symbolic response, Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently unveiled a large sign near the lakeside declaring “Lake Ontario: Now and Always” in both English and French. He expressed his views quite openly, saying, “President Trump can call it whatever he wants, but I can tell you, the rest of the world will always call it Lake Ontario.”