Trump’s Order to Rename Lake Ontario Sparks Debate Over Geography and Government Authority

In light of the recently passed executive order issued by President Donald Trump calling upon federal departments to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” it seems that a fresh debate on presidential power, geographic nomenclature, and overall relations between the U.S. and its northern neighbor has emerged.

The move was made amidst rising trade disputes between the two bordering nations. It should be emphasized, however, that the executive order may have some effect on the naming of the lake by the American federal administration, but renaming an internationally shared geographical object is not an easy task.

What Does the Executive Order Change?

The executive order mandates that the U.S. Department of the Interior and all other federal agencies undertake any necessary action to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” in all relevant federal records.

The potential consequences may include using the new name on the Geographic Names Information System, which is a federal database for information regarding geographical and cultural names. Any federal map, document, contract, and communication may start using the new name for the lake.

It must be noted that an executive order will not force any country, private business, international map services, media, and individual citizens to use the new name for the lake.

Lake Ontario is actually used by both the United States and Canada. Hence, it is more complicated than renaming a geographical feature entirely within the United States’ territory.

Why the Lake Ontario Name Is Significant

There is much historical significance tied to the name “Ontario.” There are several theories regarding where the name comes from, all of which suggest the Wendat language with references to either a beautiful or great lake.

The name of the lake has been used for many years and has existed prior to both present day Canada and the United States. As such, the renaming of the lake has brought into question more than just politics, but also history and cultural heritage.

The Canadian government has denied the name change and insists the lake will be called Lake Ontario.

The Role of U.S.-Canada Relations

This move took place when there was rising conflict between the United States and Canada with respect to trade negotiations and tariff policies.

The conflict has raised issues of political significance attached to the naming of places. The name of a place can be an expression of its past or an identity, and hence renaming usually creates more responses than one would think of at the map level alone.

Given that Lake Ontario is a portion of the border line between the United States and Canada, then it becomes obvious that the two nations share a long history with the lake.

Can a President Rename an International Body of Water?

It is within the purview of the powers of the president to dictate federal agencies on the use of certain terms when preparing official government documents and entries in the government’s databases.

On the other hand, the power of the president cannot compel other nations and international bodies to adopt a specific term or name.

The case of the Gulf of Mexico is an example of how changes in the geographical names will yield different outcomes from one platform to another. As a result of changes, the U.S. government chose “Gulf of America” in some official government matters; nevertheless, the traditional name has continued to be used in many governments, media outlets, maps, and citizens.

This can also happen with digital maps that adopt certain naming practices based on the user’s geographical location.

Geographic Names and Public Acceptance

Government intervention alone does not determine the acceptance of a new name for a geographical feature.

Use by the general public, traditions, recognition by other nations, teaching aids, mapping agencies, news media, as well as governments from other countries, all influence naming over time.

Certain names are universally accepted whereas other names may only be adopted by certain groups or even governments. The adoption of the new name will depend on whether there is a wide acceptance politically, culturally, and by the general public.

When it comes to Lake Ontario, its long-standing name and the fact that it involves two countries might make the universal acceptance of “Lake America” difficult.

A Continuing Debate Over Names and National Identity

The case of Lake Ontario is part of the larger debate surrounding the use of geographic names as a way to reflect national identity through government. There are other similar cases being deliberated in Canada, for instance, Ottawa’s consideration of renaming Trump Avenue given the increasing friction between the U.S. and Canada.

While proponents of renaming might see this as an avenue for stressing their national history and identity, others might feel that a change of name would mean disregarding the historical and indigenous significance of these geographic locations.

The most significant aspect of this debate is the difference between a change of name from a governmental point of view and a change of name from a global perspective.

Conclusion

An attempt to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America” is a clear example of how renaming a large geographical object goes beyond issuing an executive order. While the U.S. government is free to instruct its agencies on the use of certain terminologies, it cannot force other countries, including Canada, international organizations, corporations, and the general population to use the same.

Due to many years of usage of the old term and fierce resistance from Canada, the future adoption of the term seems unlikely at this point.

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