Controversial Plans to Rename Lake Ontario
Donald Trump is moving forward with a plan to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” This effort follows a decline in trade relations between the U.S. and Canada. In August, Trump indicated serious consideration for this change, expressing a belief that business with Ontario would be minimal going forward.
An executive order issued on August 27 instructed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to take necessary actions to ensure that all federal references to Lake Ontario reflect its new name. Following the order, Burgum stated on X that the renaming aims to mirror the greatness of the United States.
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) has been updated to reflect the change, and map providers like Google and Apple have started updating their systems, though not all compliance has been achieved.
Financial Implications of the Rename
Adapting all federal geographic databases and replacing “Lake Ontario” references will impose significant administrative costs. This includes agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey and Federal Aviation Administration.
Linda Bilmes from Harvard Kennedy School shared that past experience shows name changes involve substantial administrative expenses. This view is echoed by Oswego’s mayor, Robert Corradino, who fears the financial burden of updating signage and materials will significantly impact the small city.
Professor Philip G. Joyce from Maryland University notes the challenge in estimating precise costs but acknowledges a broader impact across various organizations required to implement the change.
Historical example: the “Gulf of America” renaming, estimated by CBO to cost up to $500,000 over five years, demonstrates how such projects incur significant costs. Further expenses were anticipated by the House Rules Committee for schools and municipal services.
State and Environmental Concerns
New York State, the only U.S. state with a shoreline on Lake Ontario, has not planned to implement the change. However, Michael C. Dorf from Cornell suggests the state may face coordination challenges between state and federal programs.
An environmental perspective by Mike Shriberg of the University of Michigan revealed potential disruptions in scientific collaborations and environmental data sets, projecting agency costs in the millions.
Professor Joyce questions the overall benefit of such changes, considering them wasteful if they fail to reduce costs or improve government efficiency.
Wider Renaming Efforts
Since Trump’s inauguration, the administration has renamed several departments and landmarks to elevate American prestige. The “Gulf of America” and renaming the Department of Defense to “Department of War” are examples, with cost estimates between $10 to $125 million.
Despite these initiatives, public opposition remains high. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates only 14 percent support the Lake Ontario renaming, compared to 63 percent opposed, including 43 percent of Republicans.
The president floated further renaming ideas, including “Trump Strait” for the Strait of Hormuz. Last Sunday, Trump suggested renaming New Mexico to “NEW AMERICA,” describing it as more prestigious for the state.
The broader financial impact of the Lake Ontario to Lake America renaming was analyzed in Newsweek’s Accountable Newsletter.