Why Renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America Could Be Costly
Donald Trump has advanced plans to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” This decision is rooted in trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. Following a breakdown in talks in August, the U.S. considered the name change, given reduced business ties expected with Ontario. Trump formalized the decision on August 27 with an executive order, instructing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to ensure federal references to Lake Ontario are updated to reflect its new name, “Lake America.”
Burgum expressed his support for the renaming, emphasizing that places supporting the U.S.’s economy should reflect American greatness.
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is now updated to show “Lake America,” with ongoing software updates. Companies like Google and Apple have updated their maps, but not all mapping services have followed suit.
Financial Implications of the Rebrand
The executive order provides guidance for agencies to update geographic databases, removing all references to “Lake Ontario” from federal websites. This involves coordination among civilian agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), leading to significant administrative costs.
Linda Bilmes, a senior lecturer from Harvard Kennedy School, highlights the complexities and administrative costs of such changes. Formerly involved with the National Park Service Advisory Board, she noted that these updates involve more than mere paperwork.
In Oswego, New York, Mayor Robert Corradino estimates costs for updating signs, maps, and materials could reach thousands of dollars. Corradino, a Republican, released a statement opposing the executive order, citing a financial burden without local benefits.
Beyond updating GNIS and websites, physical costs include changing signage and printed materials. Philip G. Joyce, a public policy professor at Maryland University, comments on the difficulty of estimating aggregate expenses. Joyce acknowledges possible ripple effects for organizations required to adapt.
Historical and State Comparisons
Comparing this to the “Gulf of America” change during Trump’s second term, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) suggests costs up to $500,000 for federal documents over five years. During debates, concerns were raised about additional costs for schools and municipal services.
New York, with a Lake Ontario shoreline, has no plans to comply with the renaming. However, coordination challenges exist. Michael C. Dorf of Cornell notes that state-federal program adjustment will require expensive steps despite the name being unchanged locally.
Environmental impacts are also noted. University of Michigan’s Water Center director Mike Shriberg estimates disruptions to decades of environmental data and scientific collaboration, costing agencies and researchers millions.
Public Sentiment and Broader Renaming Strategies
The question arises regarding the substantive benefit of such changes. Joyce argues against rebrands that don’t reduce costs or improve performance, defining these as “waste.”
Since Trump’s inauguration, department and landmark renaming strategies have aimed to “honor American greatness.” Renaming projects, like the Department of Defense to the “Department of War,” involve financial implications. CBO estimates costs from $10 million to $125 million based on implementation scale.
Public support for these renaming efforts is limited. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows only 14 percent favor changing Lake Ontario’s name. Sixty-three percent oppose, including 43 percent of Republicans.
Despite opposition, Trump proposes further changes. Ideas include renaming the Strait of Hormuz to “Trump Strait,” and New Mexico to “NEW AMERICA.”
Analysis of costs for renaming Lake Ontario appears in Newsweek’s Accountable Newsletter by Hugh Cameron, examining fiscal debates and wallet impacts.