US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he would rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” in the United States, as his trade dispute with Canada intensifies.
The Republican president signed an executive order directing the US agency responsible for geographic names to update the lake’s name. The order applies only in the United States, meaning Trump cannot require Canada to adopt the new name.
The move echoes Trump’s decision last year to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America”.
Trump signed the order at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, with a large map of the Great Lakes displayed behind him. The words “Lake America” appeared in large red letters over Lake Ontario.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described Canada as “the worst” country to deal with on trade.
“They think they are entitled to everything and we cannot allow it,” he said.
The announcement comes amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa, after the United States announced 50% tariffs on around $20 billion (€17.17 billion) worth of Canadian goods following the collapse of negotiations between the two countries.
Trump has repeatedly increased pressure on the United States’ northern neighbour since returning to the White House last year. He has also suggested that Canada, a longstanding US ally, should become the country’s 51st state.