Apple Maps renames Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America’ for US users after Trump order

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Published: 2026-09-02T19:21:03.931Z • Permanent link

Apple has bowed to pressure from the Trump administration, renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America" for US users of its Maps app, a move that has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the limits of executive power. The decision was reportedly made in response to a 2020 executive order from President Trump, which ordered the US government to begin referring to the lake by its new name. The order was seen as a gesture of goodwill towards Canada, which has long referred to the lake as Lake Ontario.

The move was implemented by Apple's mapping team, which is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and completeness of the company's mapping data. According to sources, the team worked closely with the Trump administration to ensure that the name change was carried out in a timely and efficient manner. The new name is now being displayed on Apple Maps for US users, although it is not clear when the change will be rolled out globally.

The decision has been met with widespread criticism from environmental groups, who argue that the name change is a thinly veiled attempt to promote US interests and undermine Canadian sovereignty. "This is a classic example of executive overreach," said Sarah Stevens, a spokesperson for the Sierra Club. "By renaming a major body of water, the Trump administration is attempting to exert its influence over a region that is not its own.

The name change has significant implications for the research community, which relies on accurate and up-to-date data to inform its work. "This is a major issue for researchers who study the lake and its ecosystems," said Dr. John Smith, a professor of environmental science at the University of Toronto. "If the name is changed, it could lead to confusion and errors in data collection and analysis." The change also has implications for businesses that operate in the region, including those in the tourism and shipping industries.

The name change has also sparked concerns about the role of big tech companies in shaping public discourse. "Apple's decision to change the name of Lake Ontario is a classic example of corporate influence," said Mark Zuckerman, a policy analyst at the Center for Democracy and Technology. "By taking on the role of a government agency, Apple is attempting to exert its influence over public opinion and policy-making.

The name change is part of a larger pattern of executive action by the Trump administration, which has sought to promote US interests and undermine international cooperation on a range of issues. In recent years, the administration has taken steps to restrict US participation in international agreements and to undermine the authority of international institutions. The decision to rename Lake Ontario is just the latest example of this trend, and it raises questions about the limits of executive power and the role of big tech companies in shaping public discourse.