On August 27, 2026, President Donald Trump announced through an executive order that Lake Ontario would now be named ‘Lake America.’ He stated that the necessary notifications had been made. This decision comes amid a growing trade conflict with Canada, despite initial dismissals by Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Renaming places is not new for Trump. In 2025, he ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the Gulf of America. Similarly, he requested that Alaska’s Denali be referred to as Mount McKinley again. While these actions might seem minor, renaming places in the United States involves a formal process that is adhered to seriously.
Standardization of Place Names
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, part of the U.S. Geological Survey, standardizes geographical names. Trump’s executive order highlighted the contribution of Americans deemed visionary and patriotic. Typically, place name changes originate locally, with citizens proposing the change and garnering support. States follow their own processes.
The Process of Name Change
For instance, in 2018, Minnesota renamed a lake in Minneapolis to Bde Maka Ska. This name, rooted in Dakota history, replaced Lake Calhoun through a series of steps. After gaining approval from local authorities, the change was ratified at the state level and eventually by the Board on Geographic Names.
“The name change respects the long-standing history and traditions of the Dakota people.”
In Alaska, the renaming of Denali involved numerous efforts over 40 years. Though initially stalled by objections from Ohio’s congressional members, in 2015, the change was finalized under Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, reflecting Native Alaskan traditions and public support.
Objections and Legal Recourse
Objections to name changes can lead to legal proceedings. In Minnesota, opposition to the Bde Maka Ska name led to a court case, which upheld the change. Courts can intervene if there is a belief that a name change did not follow proper procedure.
Challenges of International Renaming
Renaming places beyond U.S. borders involves different challenges. For the Gulf of Mexico, only the first 12 miles from the coast are part of the U.S., with the remainder being international waters. Despite this, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names updated maps to reflect the Gulf’s renamed title, Gulf of America.
Internationally, no governing board mandates place names. Countries decide individually on naming conventions. The U.S. may encourage countries to adopt name changes or consider sanctions, but changes on foreign maps are not enforceable. Mapping services, like Google Maps, typically adjust place names based on the user’s location.
Supporting a free press ensures accountability and civic dialogue remains robust. Understanding the complexities of place names gives insight into cultural heritage and political manoeuvrings. Continued attention to these issues is crucial in navigating global interactions and domestic policies.