President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America is drawing mixed reactions from New York Republicans and criticism from Democrats, according to State of Politics.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman called the move “fun” and said he does not believe it should be taken seriously.
Republican state Sen. George Borrello opposed the change, calling it a distraction from serious trade issues with Canada and raising concerns about its implications for Indigenous culture.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand criticized the administration’s priorities, arguing federal officials should instead focus on trade negotiations and rising costs.
State Sen. Jeremy Cooney said the Lake Ontario name carries Indigenous history and reflects longstanding cultural and personal connections between New Yorkers and Canadians.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.