Donald Trump announced plans to rename Lake Ontario and the Gulf of Mexico during a rally in Highland Heights, Kentucky, on 17 October. Trump claimed the new names are more powerful and suggested he personally pressured Google to update its mapping services.
"This is a much more powerful term. I can do stuff that’s unbelievable … I called Google, Google Maps. See, Google wouldn’t have taken my call in the first term. Now they kiss my ass," Trump said. Google stated that it updates its maps based on official government sources, such as the Geographic Names Information System, and follows a long-standing policy for bodies of water with names that vary by country.
Reports indicate that Silicon Valley firms, including Google and CEO Sundar Pichai, have attempted to ingratiate themselves with Trump through gifts, donations, and compliments. The tech giant did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the specific naming changes.
