MapQuest Tops U.S. App Store By Retaining Lake Ontario’s Name Amid Trump Directive

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MapQuest reached the top of Apple’s U.S. App Store after refusing to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America.” President Trump ordered the change last week. Google Maps and Apple Maps followed suit, altering the name for U.S. users.

MapQuest, an early internet mapping service launched in 1996, drew attention with a social media post on August 27, declaring, “We’re not changing it.” This was the same day Trump signed an executive order for the name change.

By Monday, MapQuest reported a surge in app downloads, with activity rising to 50 times normal levels. This helped boost it above apps like ChatGPT on Apple’s free download charts.

Why Lake Ontario Was Renamed

President Trump, seeking to reflect U.S. interests, signed an executive directive renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” This action aimed to underscore American heritage amid tensions between Washington and Ottawa over trade disputes.

Lake Ontario is part of the U.S.-Canada border and has held its name for centuries. Historians, geographers, and Canadian officials criticized the proposed change. Polls indicated many Americans were not persuaded by the renaming attempt.

Google Maps Reflects Trump’s Order

Google Maps swiftly integrated Trump’s directive for U.S. users, showing “Lake America.” Users in other countries continue seeing Lake Ontario. Some regions display both names.

Google stated this change aligns with its policy of following government naming conventions when adjustments occur through recognized sources.

Apple Maps and ‘Lake America’ Update

Apple Maps initially hesitated to adopt “Lake America.” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum revealed that Trump personally contacted Apple about the change. Burgum shared this information on Fox Business’ Mornings With Maria.

Apple updated Maps for U.S. users, reflecting “Lake America,” in line with Google. This change occurred on John Ternus’ first day as Apple’s CEO, spotlighting it as one of his first impactful decisions.

MapQuest’s Bold Stand

MapQuest refused to alter the lake’s name despite a presidential order. This stance propelled the brand into the spotlight, with increased downloads and app traffic.

Owned by System1, a California internet company, MapQuest shared updates on its App Store success and appreciated user support. For many, downloading MapQuest became an act of resistance to the renaming, fueled by nostalgia for its earlier dominance in online navigation.

Reactions to the Name Change

Canadian officials and commentators objected to the renaming, highlighting Lake Ontario’s historical significance and its Indigenous roots. The name derives from a term commonly translated as “great lake” or “beautiful lake.”

Opinions in the U.S. varied. Some Trump supporters favored the change as a statement of American identity. A YouGov survey showed a greater number of Americans opposed the renaming, advocating for the original name.

This issue spotlighted how tech companies manage politically driven geographic name changes, questioning whether mapping services should follow government directives amidst disputed naming cases.