![\"{p}President](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/0c8f4c45-5160-4fb6-97ba-1cca788b241a-GettyTrump.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGEDDES, N.Y. \u2014 Republican Candidate for Governor Bruce Blakeman said President Trump was “kidding” when it comes to renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America.<\/p>\n
CNY Central asked Blakeman if he was in favor of renaming Lake Ontario to Trump’s order.<\/p>\n
“He’s kidding; it’s a joke,” answered Blakeman. “He’s not going to change Lake Ontario. He’s just tweaking the Prime Minister of Canada.”<\/p>\n
Blake said the president has “no intention” of renaming Lake Ontario. He said, “That at least I know if.”<\/p>\n
Blakeman pointed out that the lake was named by Native Americans. It roughly translates to “beautiful lake.” Blakeman said the government has to do a better job of maintaining a relationship with Native Americans in New York State. He called them hardworking people.<\/p>\n
“They are patriotic and served in the military,” said Blakeman, adding that he met with their leaders.<\/p>\n
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President Donald Trump displays a signed executive order during an event in the Oval Office of the White House, August 27, 2026 in Washington (Andrew Harnik\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Trump signed the executive order Thursday directing federal agencies to refer to Lake Ontario as \u201cLake America.” The order applies to the federal government, but it does not require New York communities, Canada or the public to adopt the new name.<\/p>\n