Trump’s Plan to Rename Lake Ontario Raises Cost Concerns

Donald Trump is advancing plans to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” However, previous federal rebranding efforts suggest this could become costly for American taxpayers.

Executive Action on Lake Renaming

After trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada faltered in August, Trump announced serious consideration to rename the lake due to diminished business relations with Ontario. This decision was formalized in an executive order dated August 27. The order instructed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to ensure all federal references to Lake Ontario reflect the new name.

Doug Burgum affirmed the directive by stating, “We’re on it, Mr. President!” emphasizing the importance of symbols reflecting U.S. greatness.

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) updated the name to “Lake America,” and mapping systems are undergoing updates. Major companies like Google and Apple are aligning with the change, while others are yet to comply.

Challenges and Costs

“Numerous administrative costs are involved,” said Linda Bilmes, Harvard Kennedy School.

Beyond technical updates to software and signage, experts are predicting further expenses from private and public sectors. The Interior Department has yet to comment officially.

Implementation guidance from the August 27 order requires expunging “Lake Ontario” from federal databases and websites. Agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey and Federal Aviation Administration face significant administrative burdens.

Robert Corradino, the mayor of Oswego in New York, estimates signage and public material updates could cost thousands of dollars. For Oswego, a city of 17,000, this represents a significant financial burden amid stable taxation efforts.

Corradino released a statement opposing the executive order, stating opposition to the name change.

Additional costs involve man-hours for updating materials like maps, brochures, and signage. Bilmes noted the administrative burden as significant.

Philip G. Joyce from Maryland University explained that accurately estimating total costs is challenging. He warned of a ripple effect impacting organizations needing to adapt.

Comparative Analysis

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provides a comparison from Trump’s second term regarding the “Gulf of America” name change. This change was estimated to cost up to $500,000 over five years.

Democrats highlighted potential expenses for schools and municipal services associated with comparable changes.

Currently, New York State has no plans to adapt following Trump’s order. However, Michael C. Dorf from Cornell warned of burdens from coordinating programs and training personnel.

Environmental data could face disruption, costing agencies millions as noted by Mike Shriberg from Michigan’s Water Center.

Joyce asked whether any name change provides substantive benefits. Rebrands without such benefits equate to waste.

American Renaming Efforts

Post-inauguration in January, the executive branch initiated renaming projects honoring American greatness. Previous changes included renaming the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” and the Department of Defense to “Department of War.” The latter could cost between $10 million to $125 million.

Congressional action could increase costs to hundreds of millions depending on implementation scale.

Polling indicates limited support, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing only 14 percent support Trump’s Lake Ontario renaming.

Despite popularity issues, Trump continues proposing names like “Trump Strait” for the Strait of Hormuz, and “NEW AMERICA” for New Mexico.

An analysis of costs is featured in Newsweek’s Accountable Newsletter.