WASHINGTON — A dispute over what to call a body of water turned into a full political brawl on Friday, with President Trump accusing Gov. Kathy Hochul of taking Canada's side against her own country.
"Governor Kathy Hochul is for Canada," Trump wrote on Truth Social, describing it as "a Country that has been ripping off New York State for years, especially under her Administration, instead of the good ‘ol USA."
He went on: "Can you imagine her saying that she won't respect or acknowledge LAKE AMERICA. That's why the Dumocrats are so bad for our Country."
The renaming
On Thursday, Trump signed documents ordering that Lake Ontario be renamed "Lake America," effective immediately — a gesture aimed squarely at Ottawa in the middle of a trade war. The lake runs along roughly 250 miles of New York's northern shoreline.
Hochul's response came within hours, and it was short. Posting on X, she said flatly that "New York won't be calling it that."
In a second Truth Social post, Trump called the governor "stupid" and argued that Canadian tariffs are aimed specifically at her state because Ottawa views her as "Weak and Ineffective — Not nice!"
"She doesn't want us to use the name, ‘Lake America,’ she'd rather have Canada get a win," he added, saying Canada treats New York like "garbage."
A November pitch
Both posts ended the same way: with an endorsement. Trump urged New Yorkers to back Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman in the November election.
"He's an ‘animal,’ he fights like hell, he doesn't let anyone else win," Trump wrote of the Nassau County executive. "He's for the people. He's smart and cunning, and will Lower your Taxes, and Stop Crime."
The governor's office did not immediately comment.
This story was first reported by the New York Post. Read the original account here: https://nypost.com/2026/08/28/us-news/trump-says-kathy-hochul-doesnt-care-about-new-york-after-governor-refuses-to-recognize-lake-america/
