Trump's TikTok stunt to rename Lake Ontario draws online mockery

President Trump uploaded a TikTok video in which he crossed out "Lake Ontario" on a map and wrote "Lake America," using inconsistent capitalization that sparked online mockery. The move came after trade talks with Canada collapsed, leading Trump to levy 50 percent tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian imports, prompting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to double tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum and target another $20 billion of U.S. exports.

On Truth Social, Trump posted a manipulated map featuring a red X over the lake's name and bold "Lake America" lettering alongside an American flag. Social media users ridiculed the stunt, calling it embarrassing and questioning its relevance amid rising energy costs. The historical name, derived from an Indigenous term meaning "beautiful water" or "great lake," would remain unchanged in Canada regardless of any U.S. proclamation.