NEW YORK STATE (WRGB) — Leaders from around New York state and nearby states are responding to President Trump’s new executive order changing the name of Lake Ontario.
On Thursday afternoon, the president signed an order, effective immediately, renaming the lake to Lake America, amid tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
Reaction has been swift.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s statement was succinct:
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer released the following statement: “Instead of lowering costs and cancelling his damaging tariffs, Trump is doubling down on a juvenile effort to rename one of the Great Lakes. He’s escalating his reckless tariff war with our closest trading partner and ally, which will continue to drive up costs for Upstate New York families, seniors and small businesses. It’s a pathetic attempt at distraction, and it’s working families who are paying the price.”
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott shared his thoughts in a post on X
As did Maine Gov. Janet Mills:
Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today released the following statement: “Like most of Upstate New York and the people I represent, I’ll keep calling it Lake Ontario. This is just another silly distraction from the Trump White House.”
NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney of Rochester said: “Nothing President Trump can do will take away what all Rochesterians know—it’s Lake Ontario. Full stop. This is yet another attempt by a deeply unpopular President to distract from what’s really important. Families are struggling to put food on the table, seniors are facing crushing healthcare costs, and hardworking Americans can’t keep up with skyrocketing utility bills. That is what our focus should be, not petty grudges with New York’s closest economic partner.”