Trump’s ‘Lake America’ announcement gives new life to old map website

| Live News Reporter Published September 1, 2026 9:02pm Updated September 1, 2026 9:02pm Europeans adopted the name ‘Lake Ontario’ it in the mid-1600s (Picture: Reuters) Donald Trump’s decision to ‘change’ the name of Lake Ontario has led many to turn away from Google Maps and back to a throwback navigation option. Millions of Americans have made it clear that they aren’t happy with the President’s latest order, which arose over an ongoing trade war with Canada. With the Iran War still raging and Russian threats on NATO, the White House put out a post saying the giant body of water was now called ‘Lake America’. Google Maps has already changed the name, which they say is in line with names given by the US Geographic Names Information System. Apple hasn’t changed it yet, but Trump has reportedly reached out to Apple directly to do so. One platform which has refused to bend to Trump’s demands is MapQuest – a 30-year-old platform most people remember from the 90s and 2000s. Google Maps already changed the name of Lake Ontario (Picture: AP) In a defiant post, MapQuest wrote: ‘We’re not changing it.’ Most people remember printing out directions from MapQuest before satnav became the standard, but the company’s decision to take a stand has shot it back into the public spotlight. It’s now ranking as the number one free app in both the US and Canada as many turn to platforms that aren’t following Trump’s orders. Their reasoning? MapQuest keeps ‘historical, familiar names for lakes and gulfs on its maps.’ Before ‘renaming’ Lake Ontario, Trump wrote on Truth Social: ‘Canada has been “Ripping Off” the U.S.A. for decades. They have been charging our Farmers 400% Tariffs, and more. They have driven many wonderful U.S. companies out of business. ‘For 10 years they wouldn’t certify Gulfstream Jets, until I got involved. They wanted 100% of the market for Gulfstream’s Canadian competitor.’ ‘I deal with many countries, and Canada is easily the most difficult and unreasonable. They feel entitled, but they are not a State, and will be entitled no longer.’ The president is threatening to increase tariffs on Canadian trucks, cars, steel and automotive parts beginning next January. In response, Canada threatened ‘dollar-for-dollar’ tariffs. In the meantime, more and more Americans and Canadians are turning to a tried-and-true navigation site – MapQuest. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: ‘Justice for HeeHaw’ – police shoot and kill baby donkey after it brayed at officer Arrow MORE: Public doesn’t know full story of Idaho murders, Bryan Kohberger’s new lawyer claims Arrow MORE: Trump accepts new role held by arch rivals amid fears he has ‘cursed’ US News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.