Google Maps Updates Name to 'Lake America' Following Trump's Executive Order

<p>President Donald Trump's executive order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America" has prompted mixed responses from tech companies regarding compliance. </p><p><strong>The big picture:</strong> Google and other digital map providers, including MapQuest and Apple, are divided on whether to adopt the new name or retain "Lake Ontario" on their maps. </p><hr /><p><strong>Driving the news:</strong> An Axios review of Google and Apple Maps on August 30 revealed that Google now displays "Lake America" on both mobile and desktop platforms, while Apple Maps continues to show Lake Ontario. </p><ul><li>Google stated on August 29 that it updated its maps to align with changes from the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and to reflect official government name changes.</li></ul><p><strong>Zoom out:</strong> This update means that users in the U.S. will see Lake America, while users outside the U.S. will see Lake Ontario (Lake America), according to Google's statement. </p><ul><li>Google noted, "These updates follow our long-standing policy for bodies of water with names that vary from country to country, and are starting to roll out now."</li><li>Previously, Google changed the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" following another executive order from Trump, which led to a threat of legal action from Mexico.</li><li>Apple representatives did not provide immediate comments regarding their stance on the name change.</li></ul><p><strong>What they're saying:</strong> The name change has faced backlash since Trump signed the executive order on August 27. </p><ul><li>Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the decision during an appearance on ABC's "This Week," stating, "No one's going to call it Lake of America. It's been Lake Ontario for hundreds of years. It's going to continue being Lake Ontario. It's just so disappointing."</li></ul><p><strong>Between the lines:</strong> Not all mapping services are changing their names. </p><ul><li>MapQuest, which has been providing internet mapping services for nearly a decade longer than Google, announced on August 29 that it will not change its maps to reflect Trump's order. </li><li>MapQuest stated, "We're not changing the name of Lake Ontario. Name it whatever you want at your leisure," in a tweet that gained significant attention.</li></ul><p><strong>Go deeper:</strong> <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/27/trump-lake-ontario-america-democrats-bill" target="_blank">Scoop: Dems plan bill to counter Trump's "Lake America" order</a></p>