Google Maps has relabeled Lake Ontario as Lake America for users within the United States following an executive order signed by President Trump on August 27th. The change coincides with heightened trade friction between the U.S. and Canada, which includes new American tariffs on approximately $28 billion in Canadian imports.
Under the new system, U.S. users see Lake America, while Canadian users continue to view the lake as Lake Ontario. Users outside both countries see both names displayed together. Alphabet stated to Fortune that the update reflects a change in the U.S. Geographic Names Information System and follows the company's standard procedure for handling disputed water names.
Not all mapping services have adopted the designation. Apple Maps has retained the original label for American users, and MapQuest has declined to implement the new name.
Canadian officials have rejected the renaming. Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed the change, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford noted that Lake Ontario has borne that name for hundreds of years. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also rejected the relabeling for her state.
The move parallels a previous Google Maps update when the Gulf of Mexico received a new official designation last year. Trump signed the Lake America order after trade negotiations with Canada broke down, prompting Canada to announce 50% retaliatory tariffs scheduled to begin September 8th.
