Google Rolls Out 'Lake America' Update Amid Ongoing Trade War

Google has updated its Maps application to reflect President Donald Trump's order renaming Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' for US users. The change is part of a larger dispute between the US and Canada over tariffs in their ongoing trade war. In response, Google said it follows its long-standing policy of using names assigned by the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) for bodies of water with varying names across countries.

The update started rolling out on August 31, 2026, after Trump's order days prior. Those in Canada will continue to see 'Lake Ontario', while users outside both countries will see both names. The decision echoes a similar move by Google in 2025 when Trump ordered the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded with a large sign on the Canadian shore reading 'Lake Ontario. Now and forever.' Despite the change, many in Canada and the US have expressed mockery and indifference towards Trump's decision. The White House and Prime Minister Mark Carney did not comment on Google's move.