Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — President Donald Trump is floating the idea of renaming Lake Ontario to become “Lake America” as his trade war with Canada intensifies. The Republican president introduced the possibility hours ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports that cross the northern border.
Jim Farr, chair of the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee, noted the name "Ontario" isn’t just the name of the Canadian province up north.
"The name 'Ontario' is a Native American name for the lake that was here long before the province of Ontario was named," he said.
The name translates to roughly "beautiful lake" or "beautiful water."
Even so, while Trump has wide latitude over how geographic markers are recognized by the U.S. government, he has no legal authority to impose his decisions on other countries or international bodies.
People visiting Ontario Beach Park on Tuesday were not happy about Trump's idea. Nor were local officials.
READ MORE: 13wham.com/news/local/rochester-ny-officials-beachgoers-not-entertained-by-president-donald-trump-idea-of-renaming-lake-ontario-lake-america-usa-canada-canadian-tourism-tariffs-ontario-beach-park-charlotte-visitors-name-change
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Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — President Donald Trump is floating the idea of renaming Lake Ontario to become “Lake America” as his trade war with Canada intensifies. The Republican president introduced the possibility hours ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports that cross the northern border.
Jim Farr, chair of the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee, noted the name "Ontario" isn’t just the name of the Canadian province up north.
"The name 'Ontario' is a Native American name for the lake that was here long before the province of Ontario was named," he said.
The name translates to roughly "beautiful lake" or "beautiful water."
Even so, while Trump has wide latitude over how geographic markers are recognized by the U.S. government, he has no legal authority to impose his decisions on other countries or international bodies.
People visiting Ontario Beach Park on Tuesday were not happy about Trump's idea. Nor were local officials.
READ MORE: 13wham.com/news/local/rochester-ny-officials-beachgoers-not-entertained-by-president-donald-trump-idea-of-renaming-lake-ontario-lake-america-usa-canada-canadian-tourism-tariffs-ontario-beach-park-charlotte-visitors-name-change
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
13 WHAM on Facebook: facebook.com/13WHAM
13 WHAM on Twitter: twitter.com/13WHAM
13WHAM on Instagram: instagram.com/13whamtv/?hl=en
13WHAM on TikTok: tiktok.com/@13wham?lang=en
13 WHAM Daily Local News Digest: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuTJB6tta5ar3Fu5CumAvlvVunEP6bc9A
For more information, visit 13wham.com
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@13wham.com
Call the Newsroom: (585) 334-8700
WHAM is a NY based station and a ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Deerfield Media, Inc and receives certain services from an affiliation of Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.
#13WHAM #News #Rochester #NewYork
