Lake America: A Name Change That’s All Wet

The recent decision by Google Maps to display “Lake America” for users in the United States has sparked confusion and criticism. The change follows a US executive order signed by President Trump, which has left many questioning the motivations behind this quixotic name change.

At first glance, renaming Lake Ontario – or its temporary rechristening as “Lake America” on Google Maps – may seem like a trivial matter. However, this move is not without precedent. Last year, Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico “the Gulf of America.” These changes reveal a deeper issue: the increasingly nationalist and divisive tone in US politics.

The decision by Google to cave to pressure from the Trump administration on this matter raises questions about the tech giant’s priorities. By prioritizing its business interests over any potential backlash or criticism, Google appears to be perpetuating what many see as a petty political stunt.

Beyond the implications for Google Maps and the US-Canada relationship, there are broader questions to consider. What does it mean when nations start renaming geographical features to suit their own agendas? And what message does this send to other countries about the nature of international relations?

The answer lies in the history of nation-building itself. From empires imposing their will on colonized territories to today’s era of nationalist resurgence, the idea of “rebranding” or “renaming” has long been a tool for asserting dominance and control.

In this context, Trump’s executive order is not just about Lake Ontario – it’s about the politics of place-making. By changing the name of the lake, he’s making a statement: that the US will no longer tolerate what it sees as Canadian “exceptionalism” or resistance to its demands.

However, this move has sparked a backlash from Canadians who see it as a thinly veiled attempt at bullying and intimidation. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been vocal in his criticism of Trump’s actions, calling them “something out of Saturday Night Live.”

The renaming of Lake Ontario (or its temporary rechristening as “Lake America”) will not be a lasting legacy of Trump’s presidency. However, what it represents – and the implications for international relations that come with it – are far more significant.

What we’re witnessing is a trend towards a more divided world, where national interests are pitted against one another in a zero-sum game. And if Google Maps has shown itself willing to play along, then perhaps it’s time for a more nuanced conversation about the role of technology and map-making in this new world order.

The politics of place-making will only continue to intensify in the coming years – but as nations seek to assert their dominance over geography, they’d do well to remember that some names are not so easily changed.