Top Republicans in one of Donald Trump’s strongest New York counties just broke ranks with the president over his latest renaming plan. Local leaders and residents in Oswego County explained why “Lake America” isn’t catching on along the shores of Lake Ontario.
Top Republicans are not on board with Donald Trump’s plan to change Lake Ontario’s name
Republican leaders in Oswego County oppose President Donald Trump’s proposal to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” Trump floated the idea Tuesday while escalating his trade war with Canada. However, the suggestion found little support even in a county where Trump won 62-38 percent in 2024 (via Syracuse.com).
Oswego Mayor Rob Corradino, a Republican, firmly rejected the proposal. “As long as I’ve been alive it’s always been Lake Ontario, and I see no reason why we should change it now,” he said. Corradino also noted that Trump’s tariffs have already reduced Canadian tourist visits to Oswego significantly.
State Assemblymember Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, called the escalating rhetoric harmful to both nations. “Overall, the escalation of this is bad for Canadians and it’s bad for Upstate New York too,” Barclay said. His family has operated a fishing business along the Salmon River for eight generations.
New York state exports $16.5 billion in goods and $12.9 billion in services to Canada annually. Meanwhile, New York depends on Canada for $21.4 billion in annual imports. Tourist visits from Canada to New York also dropped 25 percent last year.
Oswego County Legislature Chair Jim Weatherup described the threat as a negotiating tactic. “I’m an old guy, so I’ll probably call it Lake Ontario,” Weatherup said. He added that locals would likely continue using the original name regardless.
Residents at Breitbeck Park echoed the skepticism on Tuesday. Trump voter Chris Carroll said he would “just as soon leave it as Lake Ontario.” Lifelong resident Travis Clancy declared the lake “is always going to be Lake Ontario.” Rita Cappellelli called the threat “disheartening” for the area. Dylan Cataldo suggested the president should focus on “more important things to do than changing the name of Lake Ontario.”
