After President Donald Trump moved to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America last week, mayors on both sides of the political aisle are rejecting the new name ahead of the midterms.

Robert Corradino, the mayor of Oswego, New York, expressed his concerns about the implications of the name change on the city’s historical identity. As the only commercial port city on the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario, the lake's name is integral to the community, influencing everything from street names to local businesses.

In the wake of Trump’s executive order, which has been described as “regrettable” by local leaders, many residents have voiced their frustration. Corradino noted that during a recent community event, the overwhelming sentiment was against the name change, with residents questioning its necessity. The mayor emphasized that the lake’s historical significance is deeply tied to the city’s identity and economy.

Oswego County legislators, regardless of their political affiliations, have come together to approve a resolution rejecting the new name. They cited concerns over the financial burden of rebranding on taxpayers and businesses, stating that the resolution aims to preserve the historical significance of Lake Ontario.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also publicly rejected the name change, asserting that the state will continue to refer to the lake by its original name. The mixed reactions extend beyond New York, as similar sentiments were observed nationally when Trump attempted to rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.

In a notable twist, MapQuest, a mapping service that once dominated the industry, saw a surge in popularity after it refused to adopt the name Lake America. The app climbed to the top of navigation app stores, highlighting a public backlash against the rebranding.

Alex Morgia, the mayor of Sackets Harbor, emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with Canada, especially given the community's historical ties and the presence of Canadian residents. He noted that the annual Can-Am festival, which celebrates Canadian-American heritage, serves as a reminder of the importance of neighborly relations.

As tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue to escalate, local leaders worry that political decisions like Trump’s name change could further strain these vital relationships. The atmosphere in Sackets Harbor has become increasingly somber, reflecting broader concerns about the future of cross-border relations.