World · World News Bureau
Trump urges Apple to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' on maps
The request follows Google's decision to rebrand the North American waterway for US-based users, though other mapping services have resisted the change.
LSN World News ·
Former US President Donald Trump has called on Apple to rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' on its mapping application, escalating a broader push to alter the official designation of the body of water shared by the United States and Canada.
The appeal comes days after Google implemented the name change for users accessing its maps from the United States over the weekend. The rebrand, which affects how the Great Lake appears on digital maps for American audiences, represents a significant shift in how major technology companies handle geographic nomenclature.
Other mapping services have taken differing approaches to the request. MapQuest, a prominent US-based map provider, announced it will not alter the lake's name, citing concerns over the established geographic designation. Apple has not yet publicly responded to Trump's request.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about how technology companies navigate geopolitical sensitivities and establish standards for geographic naming conventions. Lake Ontario, which spans approximately 7,340 square miles and forms part of the border between New York State and Ontario, Canada, has retained its current name internationally for centuries.
The situation underscores how digital platforms increasingly influence public perception of geographic features, raising questions about whose interests drive such decisions and the international implications of unilateral naming changes.