Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America

In simple terms

This executive order renames Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and directs the Secretary of the Interior to update federal geographic naming systems and government references within 30 days. The order cites U.S. investment in and control of Great Lakes waters as justification, but creates no substantive policy changes to shipping, environmental protection, or international agreements.

Federal Register Open PDF 91 FR 56543

Record & deadlines

Aug 27, 2026Signed
Signed by the President
Sep 2, 2026FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 91 FR 56543
Federal Register PDF
Sep 26, 2026In 6d
Secretary of Interior completes renaming actions and GNIS updates

Key directives

Secretary of Interior shall, with Board on Geographic Names, rename Lake Ontario as Lake America within 30 days
Update Geographic Names Information System to remove all references to Lake Ontario
Board on Geographic Names shall provide guidance for federal agencies to update maps, contracts, and documents

Who is ordered

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

Order takes effect upon signing

Near term (90d)

Secretary of Interior to complete renaming actions and GNIS updates by September 26, 2026
Federal agencies to update maps, contracts, and documents per Board on Geographic Names guidance

Long term

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Risks & tensions

Diplomatic friction with Canada over unilateral renaming of shared water body
No binding effect on Canadian or international usage; may create confusion in cross-border shipping and treaties
Order claims factual basis for U.S. 'most of the Lake's volume' that may be disputed
No appropriation provided for implementation costs beyond publication