South Bend Elkhart, IN, September 9, 2026 — In a notable divergence from a presidential directive, The Associated Press (AP) has announced its decision to maintain the established name “Lake Ontario” for the body of water. This stance comes after receiving a directive from President Trump, reportedly issued via an executive order, that sought to rename the lake to “Lake America.”

The Associated Press, a globally recognized news agency, has historically maintained editorial independence in its naming conventions and reporting practices. Its decision to continue using the designation “Lake Ontario” signifies a refusal to adopt the proposed change, which originated from the executive branch.

The specifics of the directive, including the exact date of its issuance or the precise language used, were not detailed in the summary provided. Similarly, the extent of the directive’s scope beyond the AP’s internal use or any potential implications for government agencies or other entities were not elaborated upon.

The action taken by the Associated Press underscores its commitment to its established editorial standards and practices. The organization’s decision-making process in such matters typically involves adherence to widely accepted geographical nomenclature and journalistic principles. The rejection of the presidential directive means that the news agency will continue to refer to the lake as “Lake Ontario” in its reporting.

Information regarding any further actions, responses, or public statements from either The Associated Press or the White House concerning this matter was not available. The outcome of this disagreement highlights the operational autonomy often exercised by major news organizations in their day-to-day reporting and content decisions.


Story summarized from the original created by Sarah Davis on thehill.com, see more information here.

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