Donald Trump’s decision to ‘change’ the name of Lake Ontario has led many to turn away from Google Maps and back to a throwback navigation option.
Millions of Americans have made it clear that they aren’t happy with the President’s latest order, which arose over an ongoing trade war with Canada.
With the Iran War still raging and Russian threats on NATO, the White House put out a post saying the giant body of water was now called ‘Lake America’.
Google Maps has already changed the name, which they say is in line with names given by the US Geographic Names Information System.
Apple hasn’t changed it yet, but Trump has reportedly reached out to Apple directly to do so.
One platform which has refused to bend to Trump’s demands is MapQuest – a 30-year-old platform most people remember from the 90s and 2000s.
In a defiant post, MapQuest wrote: ‘We’re not changing it.’
Most people remember printing out directions from MapQuest before satnav became the standard, but the company’s decision to take a stand has shot it back into the public spotlight.
It’s now ranking as the number one free app in both the US and Canada as many turn to platforms that aren’t following Trump’s orders.
Their reasoning? MapQuest keeps ‘historical, familiar names for lakes and gulfs on its maps.’
Before ‘renaming’ Lake Ontario, Trump wrote on Truth Social: ‘Canada has been “Ripping Off” the U.S.A. for decades. They have been charging our Farmers 400% Tariffs, and more. They have driven many wonderful U.S. companies out of business.
‘For 10 years they wouldn’t certify Gulfstream Jets, until I got involved. They wanted 100% of the market for Gulfstream’s Canadian competitor.’
‘I deal with many countries, and Canada is easily the most difficult and unreasonable. They feel entitled, but they are not a State, and will be entitled no longer.’
The president is threatening to increase tariffs on Canadian trucks, cars, steel and automotive parts beginning next January.
In response, Canada threatened ‘dollar-for-dollar’ tariffs.
In the meantime, more and more Americans and Canadians are turning to a tried-and-true navigation site – MapQuest.
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