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Google Maps has updated its platform to display Lake Ontario as “Lake America” for users in the United States, following President Trump’s executive order on the matter. The change was implemented just two days after the directive was announced, significantly ahead of the 30-day compliance window specified in the order. The Interior Department subsequently formalized the requirement, directing the name change take effect immediately.
The tech company attributed its swift action to the U.S. Geographic Names Information System, the official government body responsible for geographic designations within the country. According to Google’s statement, the platform now reflects different names based on user location: American users see “Lake America,” Canadian users continue to see “Lake Ontario,” and international users outside North America view both names displayed together.
The renaming sparked criticism from Canadian officials and Americans who questioned the decision. Ontario Premier Doug Ford characterized the order as pointless, noting the lake has retained its current name for centuries and expressing skepticism that citizens would adopt the new designation. This represents the second major waterway to undergo a government-mandated name change under the current administration, following the Gulf of Mexico’s rebranding to the Gulf of America.
Notably, Apple Maps has not yet implemented the change on its U.S. version, continuing to display the traditional Lake Ontario designation.
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Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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