Trump Renames Lake Ontario, Canada Reacts With Anger
Listen to the story
US President Donald Trump has signed a decree to rename Lake Ontario as the 'Lake of America'.
The announcement comes during a serious dispute between the United States and Canada.
Lake Ontario lies on the border between the two countries and is one of the Great Lakes.
Canada has reacted with anger to Trump's decision to change the lake's name.
This is not the only geographic renaming Trump has ordered recently.
He previously signed an order changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico as well.
Some observers believe these name changes are part of a larger strategy.
They say Trump uses new names to tell a story about American power.
By putting 'America' on maps, he may be sending a political message to other nations.
Canada sees the renaming as another sign of tension with its powerful neighbor.
The two countries have had a difficult relationship recently over several issues.
It remains unclear whether this new name will be widely accepted or used.
Many countries and mapmakers may continue to use the original name, Lake Ontario.
The decree adds to a growing list of symbolic actions by the Trump administration.
Analysts are watching closely to see how Canada will respond next.
Vocabulary10 words
- decree
- an official order signed by a leader
- dispute
- a serious disagreement between two sides
- border
- the line dividing two countries
- strategy
- a careful plan to reach a goal
- power
- strength and control over others
- administration
- the government led by a president
- symbolic
- representing an idea, not just practical
- tension
- a feeling of stress between groups
- observer
- someone who watches and studies events
- geographic
- related to places and maps
Quiz
Answer key
1. He signed a decree renaming it 'Lake of America' 2. On the border between the US and Canada 3. The Gulf of Mexico
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
US President Donald Trump has signed a _____ to rename Lake Ontario as the 'Lake of America'.
The announcement comes during a serious _____ between the United States and Canada.
Lake Ontario lies on the _____ between the two countries and is one of the Great Lakes.
Canada has reacted with _____ to Trump's decision to change the lake's name.
This is not the only _____ renaming Trump has ordered recently.
He previously signed an order changing the name of the Gulf of _____ as well.
Some observers believe these name changes are part of a larger _____.
They say Trump uses new names to tell a story about American _____.
The decree adds to a growing list of _____ actions by the Trump administration.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Donald Trump wants to rename geographic places?
- How might Canada respond to this name change in the future?
- Do you think countries should be able to rename shared geographic features unilaterally?
- What message do you think renaming places sends to other nations?