EO-14422

Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America

Date Issued

Aug 27, 2026

Status

Active

AI Analysis Summary

America First Perspective

Executive Order 14422 renames Lake Ontario as Lake America, highlighting the lake's historical and economic significance to the United States. This move emphasizes the Great Lakes' role in supporting American commerce, manufacturing, and energy supply chains, which are vital for small businesses across the region. By reinforcing the strategic importance of the Great Lakes, the order aims to bolster economic activity and job creation, benefiting Main Street businesses reliant on these trade routes. Although the order itself does not directly address regulatory changes, it underscores a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the economic infrastructure that supports small businesses.

Sources linked — our analysis adds context.

Small Business Impact

Main Street Wins

Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America underscores the importance of the Great Lakes in supporting American commerce and industry. This recognition may lead to increased investment in infrastructure and shipping routes, benefiting small manufacturers and businesses that rely on these trade networks. Additionally, the emphasis on American heritage and investment could foster a sense of pride and community engagement, attracting more foot traffic to local businesses.

Risks to Watch

While the order highlights the economic significance of the Great Lakes, it does not directly address regulatory burdens or offer specific relief measures for small businesses. There is a potential risk that increased focus on renaming could divert attention from addressing pressing issues such as crime rates or regulatory challenges that directly impact small business operations in the region.

America First Small Business Analysis — includes BLS, Census BFS, and FBI crime trends

Historical Cycle Connection

The renaming of geographical features has historical precedents, such as during the early 20th century when several American landmarks were renamed to reflect national pride.
Previous administrations, including the Reagan and Trump administrations, have issued executive orders emphasizing American heritage and economic interests.
Executive Orders focusing on geographical features have occasionally been used to highlight strategic economic regions, as seen in the New Deal era's focus on infrastructure development.
The emphasis on American contributions aligns with past efforts to reinforce national identity through symbolic actions, particularly in periods of economic transition.

Economic & Data Context

BLS / Economic Indicators

The BLS reports a stable unemployment rate of 4.1% as of July 2026, indicating a relatively healthy job market that can support small business growth. Although specific FBI crime data is unavailable, maintaining low crime rates is crucial for the economic vitality of areas around Lake America, as safer environments encourage consumer activity. The Census Bureau's small business formation trends suggest a continued interest in entrepreneurship, which could be bolstered by enhanced economic opportunities linked to the Great Lakes region.

Community Poll

Does this executive order help or hurt independent Americans?

Full Text

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 169 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026)] [Presidential Documents] [Pages 56543-56544] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-18020] [[Page 56541]] Vol. 91 Wednesday, No. 169 September 2, 2026 Part II The President ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Executive Order 14422--Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America Presidential Documents Federal Register / Vol. 91 , No. 169 / Wednesday, September 2, 2026 / Presidential Documents ___________________________________________________________________ Title 3-- The President [[Page 56543]] Executive Order 14422 of August 27, 2026 Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Purpose and Policy. As I announced in Executive Order 14172 of January 20, 2025 (Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness), it is the policy of my Administration to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the American people and the rich heritage of our history by naming great natural landmarks for our shared achievements. The United States is the greatest protector of the Great Lakes, including the body of water currently known as Lake Ontario. Without the security and investment provided by the United States, this freshwater system would not be open for shipping, recreation, and responsible use to the same extent as it is today. The United States Coast Guard supplies 9 of the 11 ice breaking vessels on the Great Lakes, securing commercial shipping lanes free of charge. The United States has invested nearly $4 billion in protecting the Great Lakes freshwater ecosystem in the last decade, while Canada has invested far less in similar initiatives over the same period. Sec. 2. Lake America. (a) The body of water currently known as Lake Ontario is a tremendous asset to the United States and part of our Nation's heritage. With the deepest parts of the Lake's waters lying within United States territory, the United States claims most of the Lake's volume. The Lake has long been an integral asset to American exploration, settlement, commerce, and defense. From the colonial period through the early republic, the Lake served as a critical artery for American trade, commerce, and military logistics, including the establishment in Oswego of a historic fort and the first United States port of call from the St. Lawrence Seaway, shipbuilding and naval operations during the War of 1812 at Sackets Harbor and other New York posts, and the movement of goods, settlers, and later industrial cargoes that linked the interior of the United States to eastern markets and the Atlantic. Maritime commerce on the broader Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system--of which the Lake is the easternmost and gateway segment--continues to generate substantial economic activity for the United States, supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs and billions of dollars in annual economic output, cargo value, and related business revenue, with our ports, carriers, and States deriving a significant share of the system's benefits in iron ore, limestone, coal, agricultural products, and other bulk commodities. Water from the Lake is used to supply nuclear, natural gas, and oil-fired power plants and to supply municipal drinking water to nearby communities. United States domestic and cross-border shipping activity on the Great Lakes system has historically underpinned regional manufacturing, steel production, agriculture, and energy supply chains in several States, reflecting the strategic and economic importance of these waters to the United States that continues to this day. The Lake will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America's future and the global economy. In recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation's economy and its people, I am directing that the Lake officially be renamed as Lake America. (b) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) shall, in coordination with the Board on Geographic Names and consistent with 43 U.S.C. 364 through 364f, take all appropriate actions [[Page 56544]] to rename as ``Lake America'' the body of water currently named as Lake Ontario, bounded on the south and east by the State of New York, and on the north, west, and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario. The Secretary, conjointly with the Board on Geographic Names, shall subsequently update the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) to reflect the renaming of the Lake and remove all references to Lake Ontario from the GNIS, consistent with applicable law. The Board on Geographic Names shall provide guidance to ensure all Federal Government references to Lake Ontario, including on executive department and agency maps, contracts, and other documents and communications, shall reflect its renaming. Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of the Interior. (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, August 27, 2026. [FR Doc. 2026-18020 Filed 9-1-26; 11:15 am] Billing code 4310-10-P