Trump suggests rebranding Lake Ontario during tariff dispute with Canada

WASHINGTON —

President Donald Trump has proposed renaming Lake Ontario, which sits between New York and Canada, to “Lake America” as trade disputes between the two countries intensify.

While the president can direct the U.S. government to recognize a new name for the lake, he cannot force Canada or the rest of the world to adopt it.

The proposal stems from an escalating trade war between the two nations. Trump said the U.S. may not do much business with Ontario anymore after negotiations with Canada collapsed and the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods.

The administration said Canada unfairly restricts American alcohol, dairy products, and vehicles, which it claims hurts U.S. industries. Canada disputes these allegations and is now preparing retaliatory tariffs on American products.