Trump may have issued an executive order to rename Lake Ontario, but it's Lake Ontario forever

MapQuest refuses to rename Lake Ontario after Trump's executive order, saying 'We're not changing it'

MapQuest has firmly rejected President Trump's executive order to rename Lake Ontario, stating, "We're not changing it." The company humorously suggested an online generator for alternative names, while officials and Indigenous leaders expressed outrage over the proposal, emphasizing the lake's historical significance.

Toronto Star28 August 2026 · 12:58 UTC

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MapQuest has made it clear that it will not comply with President Trump's executive order to rename Lake Ontario, stating, “We’re not changing it.” The company humorously suggested that those interested in renaming the lake could use an online generator, proposing names like “Lake Are We Doing This Again?”.

The lake's name has a rich history, with over 400 years of significance, predating both the Confederation of Canada and the Declaration of Independence of the United States. “Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario — then, now and always,” said a spokesperson.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from various leaders. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New York Governor Kathy Hochul both issued statements rejecting Trump's suggestion. “Outraged, appalled, shocked: there are no other words to describe how I feel following President Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario ‘Lake America’,” said Grand Chief Pierre Picard of the Wendat Nation, who added, “President Trump is attempting to eradicate our history.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the implications of such a name change on cultural heritage and historical recognition.

Key Insight

“MapQuest's follow-up post jokingly suggested an online generator for those who want to change the name, offering the example 'Lake Are We Doing This Again?' The company's stance highlights resistance to the renaming, which was ordered by Trump.”