Associated Press Digs In, Will Not Recognize Trump Order on ‘Lake America’

Conservative News DailySeptember 9, 2026
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The article discusses President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to rename geographical locations in the United States, notably Lake Ontario to “Lake of America.” The Associated Press (AP) announced it will not recognize the new name and will continue to refer to the lake by its original name, citing the need for place names to be recognizable internationally. Conversely, tech companies like Apple Maps have adopted the name “Lake America” following Trump’s direct requests, whereas Google Maps switched to the new name almost instantly, citing adherence to official U.S. geographic standards. The president’s attempts to rename other places, such as New Mexico to “New America,” were also highlighted, with experts noting that only the state legislature can officially change state names. Trump’s actions are portrayed as part of his broader trade and political strategies, with some critics viewing them as symbolic or humorous stunts.



The Associated Press has advised its reporters and other outlets following AP style not to recognize President Donald Trump’s renaming of Lake Ontario to Lake of America.

Trump made the name-change announcement Aug. 27 after trade talks between the U.S. and Canada stalled.

The AP said the president’s executive order only applies to how U.S. government agencies refer to the body of water, The Washington Post reported.

“The Associated Press will refer to Lake Ontario by its original name, including the name Trump has chosen when relevant,” a statement by AP spokesman Patrick Maks said.

“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,” he added.

Similarly, last year, the AP refused to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America after Trump changed its name via executive order.

In contrast to the AP, Apple Maps is now labeling Lake Ontario as Lake America.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Trump “reached out to Apple directly” regarding the change, the Associated Press reported.

Meanwhile, Google switched to Lake America almost immediately.

Google said it follows the U.S. Geographic Names Information System when official American sources change a name.

However, Google users in Canada will still see the name Lake Ontario.

Trump appeared to be in full-troll mode over the weekend when he floated the idea of renaming New Mexico to New America.

The Hill reported that Trump’s original post on the subject came on Sunday after an online hoax spread saying he had signed an executive order changing the name of New Mexico.

“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico, one of the great vote cheating states of all time, to NEW AMERICA. So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!!!” the president posted on .

On Monday, he d several maps showing the change.

Axios reported that the federal government does not have the authority to rename states. The change would have to come at the state level, presumably through a constitutional amendment.

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Conservative News DailySeptember 9, 2026
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