Google Maps Yields to Trump on Lake Ontario Name Change

Google Maps has changed the name of Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' for users in the United States, following President Donald Trump's executive order. The move has sparked backlash from critics who accuse Google of bending to pressure from the Trump administration.

The U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) formally changed the name of 'Lake Ontario' to 'Lake America' in the United States, according to Google. This update follows a long-standing policy for bodies of water with names that vary from country to country. The change is starting to roll out now and will be reflected on Google Maps for U.S. users.

However, this move has not gone without criticism. Some Canadian commenters were particularly incensed by the decision, calling Google 'cowards' for capitulating to Trump's executive order. Others noted that Apple Maps still identifies the body of water as Lake Ontario, suggesting that Apple may be taking a longer-term approach.

President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to use the name 'Lake America' in official documents and records just two days before Google made the change on its maps. While the president can direct how the federal government refers to geographic features, he cannot compel foreign nations or private entities to follow his lead.

Trump's rebranding effort comes amid a bitter tariff war between the U.S. and Canada, longtime trading partners and allies. The U.S. imposed 50 percent tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian exports last Saturday after talks between Washington and Ottawa broke down.