MapQuest refused to rename Lake Ontario to appease one person, but I still can't leave Google Maps and Apple Maps behind for this one reason

Here in the US, we're dealing with a President who capriciously tears down historic buildings, paves over rose gardens, insults allies, and regularly renames map landmarks, locations, and even gulfs and lakes like he's picking out names for his often poorly used golf clubs.

It would be entertaining if it weren't all so incomprehensible.

The only thing that's tougher to swallow is when seemingly rational tech giants fall in line and rename these locations right along with him.

After US President Donald Trump renamed one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Ontario, to "Lake America" over an ongoing trade war (that he started) with Canada, Google rather quickly renamed the 193-mile-wide lake on Google Maps.

For a time, Apple Maps appeared to be holding out, only to swap out the name on Tuesday.

Apple Maps now 🤦‍♂️.

Hello, @MapQuest pic.twitter.com/RmPwuY2pQQ September 1, 2026 As I derided the move, some reminded me that Apple and Google derive their map details and names from a centrally managed USGS, or US Geological Survey.

In other words, if the President makes an executive order, the USGS falls into line and changes the map, and those who use it as a source apparently have no choice but to change it.

Maybe, though, I'd argue that Google, and especially Apple, which changed its CEO on Monday , had an opportunity to hold the line.

On the other hand, look south and central on Apple Maps and Google Maps, and you'll quickly spot the "Gulf of America.' Trump changed that one from the Gulf of Mexico because, "'Merica!" One map app stood alone (Image credit: Future) There is, however, a voice of reason in all this: the upstart online mapping service known as MapQuest.

It not only refused to change its map, but also has been quite vocal and cheeky about it.

In one X post, the mapping company said not only were they not renaming it (they similarly have not renamed the Gulf of Mexico), but they were letting users have some fun by applying their own silly name to the huge body of water that is literally split across its midsection by the border between the US and Canada.

We're not changing the name of Lake Ontario.

Name it whatever you want at your leisure: https://t.co/E2I0Ezd57W(tag us so we can see your work 🙂) pic.twitter.com/x8lIAMt6ab August 27, 2026 MapQuest's defiance has paid dividends.