American expatriates living in Canada have strongly criticized a decision by United States President Donald Trump to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, characterizing the move as an embarrassing media stunt and childish behavior. Ben Davis, a retired law professor and permanent resident of Canada who left Virginia in February 2025 to live in Quebec, stated that the presidential decree was unworthy of the office, calling it a pathetic maneuver to distract attention. Davis noted that the body of water was designated as Lake Ontario in the Treaty of Canandaigua of 1794, which was signed by the first U.S. president, George Washington, and the Six Nations following the American Revolution. He argued that altering the name over 230 years later makes no sense, adding that the historical name suited George Washington and should continue to suit Donald Trump.
US Expats in Canada React to Lake Ontario Renaming Decree
Estimates from 2023 by the Association of Americans Resident Overseas indicate that more than one million Americans, including long-term visa visitors and dual nationals, reside in Canada. Dawna E. Wade, who lives in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, with her wife after moving from North Carolina in May due to safety concerns regarding their sexual orientation, described the president’s targeting of the lake’s name as ridiculous, asserting that he lacks the authority to rename it unilaterally. The decree was signed amid escalating tensions between the United States and Canada following failed trade negotiations and contentious tariff exchanges with Ontario Premier Doug Ford. While the decree holds validity solely within the United States, a national Ipsos/Reuters poll indicated that the measure lacks broad domestic support, with only 14 percent of roughly 1,000 surveyed Americans expressing favorability toward the change.
Digital Map Changes and Broader Expatriate Perspectives
The renaming decision has also brought scrutiny to major technology companies. Palermo, a resident of Hamilton who departed the state of New York three years ago, expressed disappointment that Google and Apple altered the body of water’s designation to Lake America on map versions intended for American users. For expatriates like Wade, the desire to distance themselves from the United States extends well beyond geographical naming conventions, touching upon wider personal and political considerations following their relocations.
