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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedSeptember 2, 2026Miami-Dade

Apple and Google rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' for U.S. users following Trump executive order

Apple and Google have updated their mapping applications to display 'Lake America' instead of 'Lake Ontario' for users located within the United States. This change follows an executive order from President Donald Trump directing the Interior Department to update the name in the U.S. geographic naming service amid ongoing trade tensions with Canada.

geographytechnologyinternational relationstrade policyexecutive order
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Why It Matters

The change affects how U.S. residents view and interact with geographic data on major digital platforms, while highlighting the limits of U.S. executive authority over international landmarks.

Key Facts

  • President Trump issued an executive order directing the Interior Department to rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' in the U.S. geographic naming service.
  • Apple Maps updated the label to 'Lake America' for U.S. users as of Wednesday morning.
  • Google Maps updated the label to 'Lake America' for U.S. users over the weekend.
  • The name change only applies to users within the United States; users in Canada and elsewhere continue to see 'Lake Ontario' or both names.
  • MapQuest has publicly stated it will not change the name of the lake on its platform.
  • The name 'Ontario' is derived from the Huron word 'oniatarí:io', meaning 'lake of shining waters'.
  • This follows a previous executive order from last year that renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America' on U.S. maps.
  • Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford, have rejected the name change.

Who's Mentioned

organizationApple“Technology company that updated its Maps app for U.S. users.”organizationGoogle“Technology company that updated its Maps app for U.S. users.”personDoug Burgum“Interior Secretary who confirmed the President reached out to companies directly”personMark Carney“Canadian Prime Minister who rejected the name change.”organizationSystem1“Parent company of MapQuest.”personDoug Ford“Ontario Premier who rejected the name change.”organizationMapQuest“Map provider that refused to change the name.”personDonald Trump“President who issued the executive order for the name change.”