Trump Makes “Lake America” Official
President Donald Trump has officially ordered the United States government to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America,” following through on a proposal that generated international attention and immediate backlash from Canada.
Trump signed Executive Order 14420 on August 27, declaring that the massive Great Lake bordering New York and Canada will now carry the name “Lake America” across the federal government.
“We’re going to be changing the name of Lake Ontario, effective immediately, to Lake America,” Trump said before signing the order.
The executive order directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, working with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, to update the federal Geographic Names Information System within 30 days.
Federal agencies must also begin using “Lake America” on government maps, documents, contracts, and official communications.
Why Trump Changed the Name
The White House framed the decision as recognition of America’s historic contributions to the Great Lakes.
Trump’s executive order points to American investment in environmental protection, commerce, defense, and keeping Great Lakes shipping lanes operational.
The administration noted that the United States Coast Guard supplies nine of the 11 icebreaking vessels operating on the Great Lakes and said America has invested nearly $4 billion protecting the Great Lakes freshwater ecosystem over the last decade.
Trump also highlighted the lake’s role throughout American history, including trade, settlement, military operations during the War of 1812, and its connection to New York communities such as Oswego and Sackets Harbor.
“The body of water currently known as Lake Ontario is a tremendous asset to the United States and part of our Nation’s heritage,” the executive order states.
The administration says that history deserves recognition.
Now, on American federal maps, it will receive it.
Canada Pushes Back
The announcement immediately generated controversy north of the border.
The lake sits between New York and the Canadian province of Ontario, meaning both countries share the international waterway.
Trump can direct the American federal government to use “Lake America,” but his executive order cannot require Canada, international organizations, private companies, or individual citizens to adopt the new name.
Canadian leaders have already rejected the change and indicated they will continue calling the waterway Lake Ontario.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Ottawa over trade, tariffs, and Trump’s criticism of Canada’s economic relationship with the United States.
Another America First Renaming
The move follows Trump’s 2025 executive action directing federal agencies to use “Gulf of America” instead of Gulf of Mexico and restoring the name Mount McKinley in Alaska.
Trump has presented those changes as part of a broader effort to celebrate American history and national pride.
The latest order takes that philosophy directly to America’s northern border.
A Biblical Perspective
Scripture repeatedly reminds nations to remember their heritage and recognize the blessings they have received.
“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” (Proverbs 22:28 KJV)
America should remember its history, preserve its inheritance, and remain grateful for the extraordinary natural resources God has placed within its reach.
National pride should never replace our dependence upon God. Instead, gratitude for our country should remind us of our responsibility to steward its blessings wisely.
Where We Stand
Lake America represents more than a name on a federal map.
President Trump has made restoring American pride a defining theme of his administration, and this executive order continues that effort as the United States celebrates its 250th year.
For generations, the Great Lakes have strengthened American commerce, communities, defense, and prosperity. Americans should never apologize for recognizing our nation’s contributions or celebrating the land and resources God has blessed us with.
Pray that America will remain grateful for its inheritance and remember the God who has sustained this nation for 250 years.
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The time to speak is now, the time to act is now. The time to pray for America, her heritage, and a national return to God is now.
