Google Maps users in the United States will now see Lake Ontario labeled as “Lake America,” following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.
The change was made after the US Geographic Names Information System formally updated the lake’s name. Google said it updates its maps to reflect official government sources, meaning users in the US will see “Lake America,” while users in Canada will continue to see “Lake Ontario.”
Users outside the United States and Canada will see both names, with “Lake America” appearing in parentheses after “Lake Ontario.”
Google described the update as consistent with its long-standing policy for bodies of water with different names in different countries.
Trump administration officials celebrated the change on social media, with White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posting: “It’s official! LAKE AMERICA on Google Maps.”
Lake Ontario is shared by Canada and the United States and is governed under the Boundary Waters Treaty, which was established to prevent disputes over shared waters.
