EO-14422
Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America
- Signed
- Aug 27, 2026
- Published
- Sep 2, 2026
Federal Register: 2026-18020
Source: Federal Register.
Renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America"
What it does
This order directs the Secretary of the Interior, working with the Board on Geographic Names, to officially rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America" in federal records and databases within 30 days. It also directs all federal agencies to update maps, contracts, and documents to reflect the new name.
Who benefits
No specific group gains a material or economic benefit; the order is largely symbolic. Supporters of the administration's naming initiatives may see a symbolic or political benefit in the renaming reflecting a preferred historical narrative about the lake's American character.
Who is affected
Federal agencies and employees who must update maps, databases, contracts, and signage bear administrative costs and effort. New York State and local governments, businesses, and residents along the lake, as well as Canadian officials and residents of Ontario province, may be affected by potential confusion or friction over the unilateral renaming of a shared international body of water.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue the President has clear authority under federal law governing the Board on Geographic Names to direct renaming of geographic features within federal jurisdiction, and that this renaming honors the United States' historical, military, and economic role in developing and protecting the lake. They contend it recognizes decades of American investment in shipping, ice-breaking, and ecosystem protection that has kept the waterway usable.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that unilaterally renaming a lake that forms an international border with Canada, without consultation, could create diplomatic friction and confusion given Ontario province shares the lake and its name. They contend the order spends government time and resources on a symbolic gesture that has no practical benefit to Americans and disregards established binational naming conventions.
Constitutional basis
Executive orders rest on constitutional authority or statutory delegation. This summary describes the legal grounding cited or implied by the order.
The order cites the President's general Article II executive authority and directs implementation through 43 U.S.C. 364-364f, the statute establishing the Board on Geographic Names, which delegates naming authority to executive agencies rather than Congress.