"The Associated Press’s guidance says President Donald Trump’s executive order affects only how the U.S. government refers to the lake, not Canada or other countries."
"The Associated Press is advising its reporters and others who follow AP style to continue referring to Lake Ontario by its original name, despite President Donald Trump’s order to rename it Lake America last month as the administration’s trade war with Canada escalated.
The AP’s guidance says Trump’s executive order affects only how the U.S. government refers to the lake, and Canada and other countries are not required to recognize the name change.
“The Associated Press will refer to Lake Ontario by its original name, including the name Trump has chosen when relevant,” AP spokesman Patrick Maks said in a statement. “As a global news agency that disseminates news around the world, the AP must ensure that place names and geography are recognizable to broad audiences.”"
Amy B Wang reports for the Washington Post September 9, 2026.
