Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' as the trade war between the US and Canada reaches boiling point. The president announced the move from the Oval Office, saying the change would take effect immediately.
Renaming amid trade tensions
The lake, which straddles the US northern border with Canada, is being renamed following a breakdown in negotiations over trade between Washington and Ottawa, with new retaliatory tariffs introduced. The move comes after the Trump administration imposed 50 percent tariffs on 20 billion dollars of Canadian goods over the weekend.
Canada is anticipated to hit back with retaliatory measures in response to the tariffs.
Canadian response
Canadian officials have reportedly said they will not recognise the new name, according to CNBC. The renaming is reminiscent of a previous executive order signed by Trump last year, when the Gulf of Mexico was renamed the Gulf of America.
