As tensions between the two nations continue to increase amid an ongoing trade war, President Donald Trump intensified his animosity with Canadian authorities on Tuesday by implying that the United States is considering changing Lake Ontario to "Lake America."

Since we no longer anticipate conducting much commerce with Ontario, the United States is seriously considering renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America. I appreciate you taking the time to consider this. Trump posted on Truth Social.

Lake Ontario, which divides Ontario, Canada, from the state of New York, is the smallest of the five Great Lakes in terms of surface area.

Trump's most recent jab came one day after he threatened Canada with "far WORSE" repercussions if its officials do not "fall in line" in the wake of the two nations' failed trade negotiations. Additionally, the US president has previously issued an order renaming the Gulf of Mexico, so this is not the first time he has attempted to rename a body of water by adding "America."

Trump has accused Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of exploiting the United States for decades.

Trump wrote on Monday, "Lots of 'bluster' from Doug Ford, the Premier of the Canadian Province of Ontario, but better known as the less charismatic, intelligent, and generally unimpressive brother of the late, great Rob Ford."

"These clowns need to 'fall in line,' or the consequences for Canada will be far WORSE,'" Trump continued.

The conflict arises from Trump's promise on Monday to raise tariffs on Canadian steel, autos, trucks, and auto parts to 50% starting on January 1, 2027. In response, Canada has promised to impose "dollar-for-dollar" duties starting on September 8.

In the past, Trump attempted to rename another body of water that borders the US.

Trump signed an executive order designating the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" on the first day of his second term. Since then, the Coast Guard and US government agencies have embraced the name, but other nations have not acknowledged the change.

The Associated Press continued to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico, which led the White House to escalate the conflict with the news outlet. In the end, a federal judge declared that the White House's plan to punish the AP by preventing it from attending Trump events was "unconstitutional."

A Republican-led bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America was approved by the House in May 2025.