# Bryan Adams Releases Protest Song Criticizing Trump's Lake Ontario Name Change The Canadian musician uses his latest track to challenge U.S. executive policy decisions. - **Source:** [National Post - RSS Feed](https://nationalpost.com/) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bdd5031e-7bb8-4abc-a507-cf5b830b3cb3 ## Artistic Response to Policy Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams released a new track titled Lake Ontario to challenge a U.S. executive order. The order, signed by Donald Trump on August 27, officially renamed the lake to Lake America in government records. Adams frames this act as a distraction from ongoing political controversies and trade disputes. ## Geopolitical Context of Renaming The renaming followed a breakdown in trade negotiations between Canada and the United States. Trump stated there was no specific message behind the change, citing long-standing grievances regarding trade practices. Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, publicly condemned the move, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the original name. ## Lyrics and Cultural Critique Adams uses the song to highlight the Iroquois origin of the name, which translates to the lake of shining waters. He contrasts this indigenous heritage with the executive order, labeling the decision a distraction. The lyrics also reference the Epstein files, suggesting the name change served as a tactical political diversion. ## Album Integration and Themes The song is part of the upcoming album How’s It Goin,’ scheduled for release on November 6. The 12-track project focuses heavily on Canadian history and identity. Other tracks on the record include titles like The Battle of Lundy’s Lane and The Ballad of Terry Fox, reflecting a broader thematic exploration. ## Previous Political Stances This is not the first time Adams has utilized his music to address the Trump administration. On Canada Day, he released 51st State, a song that addressed shared history and tariffs. The track explicitly vowed that Canada would maintain its sovereignty and independence despite pressures from the neighboring United States government. ## Visual and Musical Direction The music video for Lake Ontario features sweeping shots of the lake alongside footage of Adams rowing a boat. This visual approach emphasizes the natural beauty of the region. Musically, Adams described the project as an exciting departure from his usual party-rock anthems, inspired by extensive research into Canadian history. ## Legal and Political Fallout While Trump’s name appears frequently in the Epstein files, he has not been charged with misconduct and denies all allegations. The executive order remains a point of contention for those who view it as an overreach. Politicians on both sides of the border have expressed strong opposition to the unilateral name change. ## Significance of Protest Art Adams’ work demonstrates how artists leverage their platforms to engage with complex international relations. By connecting historical indigenous names to modern executive actions, the song serves as a cultural counter-narrative. The album reflects a deliberate effort to define Canadian identity through music during a period of strained bilateral trade relations. ## Sources covering this story - https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/bryan-adams-releases-new-lake-ontario-song-taking-aim-at-trump-not-an-executive-order — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._