Google Maps Reflects US Executive Order Renaming Lake Ontario

Google Maps has updated its platform to display Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' for users in the United States, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. This change only applies to U.S. federal documents and geographic services. However, for users outside Canada and the U.S., both names will be displayed.

The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over trade talks, which fell apart on August 21. The Canadian government has unveiled $27 billion in retaliatory measures set to kick in on September 8. Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that 'no one's going to call it Lake of America,' and he unveiled a sign in Winona, a small lakeside community, with the message 'Lake Ontario, now and always.'

Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to Trump's bid to rename the lake by saying Canadians know Lake Ontario will always be known by its original name. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also stated that New York won't call it Lake America.