Trump signs order to rename Lake Ontario 'Lake America'

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Lake Ontario would be renamed 'Lake America' within the United States. He signed the executive order at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, with a large map of the Great Lakes displayed behind him showing the new name in large red letters over the lake.

The order directs the US agency responsible for geographic names to update the lake's official name. However, the order only applies within US territory — Trump has no authority to compel Canada, which shares the lake, to adopt the new name.

The move follows a similar decision last year, when Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico the 'Gulf of America'.

Escalating tensions with Canada

Speaking to reporters, Trump called Canada 'the worst' country to deal with on trade, saying Canadians believe they are entitled to everything and that the US cannot allow this.

The announcement comes as tensions between Washington and Ottawa continue to rise. The United States recently imposed 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion (€17.17 billion) worth of Canadian goods after trade negotiations between the two countries collapsed.

Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has repeatedly increased pressure on Canada, a longstanding US ally, and has also suggested that the country should become the 51st US state.