Kathmandu— US President Donald Trump has officially renamed Lake Ontario “Lake America” as part of an escalating trade war with Canada, following a series of personal insults and threats exchanged between Washington and Ottawa. The move, enacted through an executive order on Thursday, mandates federal agencies to use the new name in all official capacities. This action follows the collapse of trade negotiations and the imposition of 50% tariffs by the US on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, prompting retaliatory measures from Canada and increasingly hostile rhetoric from both sides.

Trade Dispute Escalates into Personal Attacks

The confrontation between the US and Canada rapidly deteriorated this week after trade negotiations failed. Trump initially threatened to impose further tariffs on Canadian cars, auto parts, and steel, accusing Canada of unfair trade practices and stating it would no longer be treated “like a State.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded with threats to withhold or raise the price of key exports – including oil, potash, and uranium – and even cut electricity supplies to the US. Trump then demanded that Ford “fall in line,” prompting an expletive-laden response from the premier during a press conference: “I have a lot of real estate on my ass, so he has a lot of room to kiss my ass.”

Retaliatory Tariffs Imposed

Following the exchange of insults, Canada formally announced retaliatory tariffs mirroring those imposed by the US, targeting $20 billion worth of American goods. These duties, ranging from 15% to 50%, will be applied to products including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics, taking effect on September 8. The move represents a significant escalation in the trade dispute, with both countries digging in their heels.

Name Change Limited to US Federal Government

While Trump has unilaterally renamed Lake Ontario within the United States, Washington cannot compel Canada or international bodies to adopt the change. The executive order only dictates terminology used by federal agencies on maps, contracts, documents and communications. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that Canadians will continue using the historic name, pointing out its Indigenous origins predating both countries. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also stated her state will not recognize “Lake America.” This mirrors a similar action taken by Trump in January 2025 when he renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” for federal purposes.

Further Rebranding Possible

Trump hinted at potentially renaming other bodies of water, suggesting that further geographic rebranding could be on the horizon. “We have a gulf and we have a lake,” he said Thursday. “Now, all we need is an ocean. So maybe we’ll have to change the name of the Atlantic and or the Pacific. Maybe we’ll change them both.” This statement underscores a willingness to continue using symbolic gestures as part of the ongoing trade dispute.

The retaliatory tariffs are set to take effect on September 8, and it remains unclear whether further negotiations will occur to de-escalate the conflict between the US and Canada.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.