President Trump lashed out at New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday after she declared that the state would refuse to recognize his decision to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America,” accusing the Democratic governor of siding with Canada while the two countries remain locked in a bitter trade dispute.
“Governor Kathy Hochul is for Canada,” Trump fumed on Truth Social, “a Country that has been ripping off New York State for years, especially under her Administration, instead of the good ‘ol USA.”
“Can you imagine her saying that she won’t respect or acknowledge LAKE AMERICA,” the president continued. “That’s why the Dumocrats are so bad for our Country.”
The clash erupted after Trump on Thursday signed documents directing that Lake Ontario be renamed “Lake America,” with the change taking effect immediately. The move came amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa.
Lake Ontario shares a lengthy border between the United States and Canada, with approximately 250 miles of its shoreline running along northern New York.
Hochul quickly rejected Trump’s proclamation. Shortly after the president signed the order, she posted on X that “New York won’t be calling it that.”
Trump responded with another Truth Social post in which he called Hochul “stupid” and argued that Canada has deliberately targeted New York with its tariffs because Canadian officials view the governor as politically weak.
“They’re aiming at her because they consider her Weak and Ineffective — Not nice!” the president argued.
Trump continued his attack by accusing Hochul of preferring to hand Canada a political victory rather than embrace the new name, while claiming that Canada has treated New York like “garbage.”
“She doesn’t want us to use the name, ‘Lake America,’ she’d rather have Canada get a win,” Trump continued.
The president used both posts to turn the dispute into an issue in New York’s gubernatorial election, urging voters to support Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman against Hochul in November.
Trump concluded by offering an enthusiastic endorsement of Blakeman, portraying him as an aggressive political fighter who would cut taxes and crack down on crime.
“He’s an ‘animal,’ he fights like hell, he doesn’t let anyone else win,” Trump said of Blakeman. “He’s for the people. He’s smart and cunning, and will Lower your Taxes, and Stop Crime.”
