Google Maps Update Reflects Trump's 'Lake Ontario' Name Change Amid Trade War

Google has updated its maps application to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' for US-based users, following an executive order by President Donald Trump. This move comes amid a trade war with Canada, which has led both countries to impose billions of dollars in added tariffs on each other's goods.

The change is part of Google's long-standing policy of using names assigned by the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). For users outside the US and Canada, both 'Lake Ontario' and 'Lake America' will be shown. However, not all mapping services are following Trump's directions - MapQuest has refused to rename the lake.

Indigenous leaders have expressed outrage over the name change, with Grand Chief Pierre Picard of the Wendat Nation in Quebec stating that President Trump is trying to erase their history. Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded by placing a billboard-sized message on the Canadian shore, declaring 'Lake Ontario. Now and always.'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau immediately rejected Trump's executive order, with some US governors also speaking out against the move. The White House has not commented on Google's decision to update its maps.