Vermont governor rebukes Trump's lake renaming as trade war escalates
Vermont Governor Phil Scott criticized President Trump's executive order renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America," calling it petty and disappointing. He urged negotiation with Canada instead of escalating tensions. The order came amid a trade war with Canada, with tariffs and counter-tariffs set to take effect.
Scott’s criticism adds to a growing chorus of Republican dissent over the administration’s tariff strategy, following similar appeals from Senator Susan Collins. The dispute began with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s threat to cut electricity exports, prompting Trump’s renaming order for the lake bordering New York. Governor Kathy Hochul and Hillary Clinton have both rejected the new name publicly. The administration previously faced a legal setback over its Gulf of Mexico renaming, when the Associated Press won a First Amendment lawsuit after being barred from press events.
The 50 percent tariff on $20 billion in Canadian goods took effect Sunday, with Canada’s matching duties scheduled for September 8. Scott, seeking reelection, has previously clashed with Trump over National Guard deployments and voting restrictions. His statement emphasizes economic interdependence, noting that escalation harms families and businesses on both sides of the border.
This episode could further strain U.S.-Canada relations, affecting cross-border trade, energy supplies, and regional economies in border states like Vermont and New York. Public perception of the renaming as symbolic rather than substantive may reinforce concerns about executive overreach, while also mobilizing voters who view tariff policy as economically risky. The dispute may influence upcoming elections, as Republican governors balance party loyalty with local economic interests.