Under the authority granted to me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, the following order is issued:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. As stated in Executive Order 14172 dated January 20, 2025, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” it is my Administration’s policy to honor the remarkable contributions of the American people and the richness of our historical heritage by naming significant natural landmarks in celebration of our collective accomplishments. The United States stands as the primary guardian of the Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario. Without the security and investment provided by the United States, the usage of this freshwater system for shipping, recreation, and responsible activities would not be as extensive as it is today. The U.S. Coast Guard provides 9 out of 11 icebreaking vessels on the Great Lakes, ensuring commercial shipping lanes remain open at no cost. Over the past decade, the United States has invested nearly $4 billion in preserving the Great Lakes’ freshwater ecosystem, while Canada has contributed significantly less to similar initiatives.
Sec. 2. Lake America. (a) Lake Ontario, as it is currently known, is a vital asset to the United States and a key part of our national heritage. With the deepest sections of the lake’s waters situated within U.S. territory, the United States claims the majority of the lake’s volume. The lake has played a fundamental role in American exploration, settlement, commerce, and defense. From the colonial era through the early republic, the lake was essential for American trade, commerce, and military logistics. This includes the establishment of a historic fort in Oswego, the first U.S. port of call from the St. Lawrence Seaway, shipbuilding and naval operations during the War of 1812 at Sackets Harbor and other New York locations, as well as the transportation of goods, settlers, and later industrial cargoes that connected the interior of the United States to eastern markets and the Atlantic. The broader Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system, with Lake Ontario as its easternmost gateway, continues to be a major economic driver for the United States, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in economic output, cargo value, and related business revenue. U.S. ports, carriers, and states benefit significantly from this system in terms of iron ore, limestone, coal, agricultural products, and other bulk commodities. Water from the lake supplies nuclear, natural gas, and oil-fired power plants, as well as municipal drinking water for nearby communities. U.S. domestic and cross-border shipping activity on the Great Lakes system has historically supported regional manufacturing, steel production, agriculture, and energy supply chains in several states, emphasizing the ongoing strategic and economic importance of these waters to the United States. The lake will continue to be a crucial factor in shaping America’s future and the global economy. In recognition of its economic value and significance to our nation’s economy and people, I am directing that the lake be officially renamed as Lake America.
(b) Within 30 days from the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), in coordination with the Board on Geographic Names and in accordance with 43 U.S.C. 364 through 364f, shall take all necessary actions to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” which is bordered on the south and east by New York State and on the north, west, and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario. The Secretary, together with the Board on Geographic Names, shall update the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) to reflect this change and remove all references to Lake Ontario from the GNIS, in compliance with applicable law. The Board on Geographic Names shall ensure that all federal government references to Lake Ontario, including those on executive department and agency maps, contracts, and other documents and communications, reflect this renaming.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) This order shall not be construed to alter or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to any executive department or agency, or its head; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget concerning budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be executed in accordance with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order does not intend to, and does not, create any legal or equitable rights or benefits enforceable by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees, or agents, or any other individual.
(d) The costs associated with publishing this order shall be covered by the Department of the Interior.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
August 27, 2026.
