Renaming Landmarks: The Process and Implications

On August 27, 2026, President Donald Trump issued an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America.’ He announced that his administration had already informed the necessary parties. This decision sparked controversy, especially amid tensions with Canada.

This move is part of a pattern, as Trump previously initiated similar changes. In 2025, he ordered the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and reverted Alaska’s Denali to Mount McKinley.

The Formal Process of Renaming

In the United States, there is a structured process for renaming places. This process is overseen by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey responsible for map-making. Typically, renaming starts at the local level, where state or county authorities propose a change.

For instance, in 2018, Minnesota changed the name of a large lake in Minneapolis to Bde Maka Ska. The Minneapolis Park Board initiated this change, describing it as a Dakota name with historical significance. The change was approved by county commissioners and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before reaching the Board on Geographic Names.

The Board requires input from local governments and tribal authorities during this process. In 2015, President Obama, alongside Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, officially reinstated the name Denali for Alaska’s renowned peak. This decision respected the native Alaskan heritage and received local support.

If someone contests a name change, they may take legal action. For example, opponents of Bde Maka Ska’s renaming took the matter to court. The Minnesota Supreme Court ultimately upheld the decision.

Complexities Beyond U.S. Borders

Renaming locations like the Gulf of Mexico presents different challenges since such areas lie beyond U.S. territorial waters. While the U.S. can change names on its maps, enforcing this change internationally is complex. The U.S. may request other countries to adopt these names or face possible sanctions.

Mapping companies, including Google Maps, adjust place names depending on the viewer’s location. This could mean displaying different names based on where you access the map. For example, from the U.S., the map shows the Gulf of America, while in Mexico, it shows the Gulf of Mexico.

This system also applies to disputed borders, and users can change settings to view maps from different country perspectives.