Ontario Premier Doug Ford dismissed President Trump's Tuesday suggestion to rename Lake Ontario in honor of the United States, downplaying the move as political bluster amid an escalating trade conflict between the two neighbors.
"I think it's a lot of rhetoric," Ford told CNN's Wolf Blitzer, pointing out that Canada is the top customer for more than a dozen U.S. states. He stressed that Ontario and Canada would not capitulate to what he described as attacks on their sovereignty and economic interests.
"We're strong believers in being a sovereign country, and when President Trump wants to attack our sovereignty and attack our businesses and people in Ontario, I can't roll over," Ford said. "My job is to protect Ontario and Canada, and ironically, protecting the American people."
Trump's Truth Social post on Tuesday morning floated the idea of renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America," adding that he did not "expect to be doing much business with Ontario any longer." The taunt came just hours after the president imposed new 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, a move that has sent shockwaves through cross-border trade.
Ford responded forcefully on Monday, threatening to cut off electricity exports to U.S. states—a significant leverage point since Ontario's power grid directly serves Michigan, New York, and Minnesota. "We power 1.5 million homes and businesses. Everything's on the table. I'll do whatever it takes," he told reporters.
By Tuesday, however, Ford appeared to soften his tone, acknowledging that "things got a little heated" between him and Trump. In his CNN interview, he called for de-escalation and a negotiated settlement. "Let's negotiate a fair deal because it's hurting the U.S. It's hurting Canada, and we just want to make sure that we have a fair deal," he said.
Canada has already announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50 percent on a wide range of American goods, set to take effect September 8—a direct response to Prime Minister Mark Carney's pledge to match U.S. tariffs "dollar for dollar." The move has put border-state Republicans in a tight spot, as the tariffs are creating political headaches for the GOP ahead of the midterms.
Ford argued that the U.S. tariffs ultimately hurt American consumers and businesses. "I do not understand why he wants to attack Canada nonstop," he said. "We're the closest friends and allies, and make no mistake about it, Canadians still love the American people. They love the U.S."
The exchange is the latest flashpoint in a trade dispute that has also seen clashes over language and negotiating tactics between Trump and Carney. As the two countries dig in, the economic stakes are rising, with analysts warning that the retaliatory measures could escalate further if no compromise is reached.
