Globemakers Divided Over Trump's 'Lake America' Decision
Map and globe manufacturers debate how to respond to Trump's controversial geographic name changes.
1Trump's Controversial Move
President Donald Trump renamed Lake Ontario as 'Lake America', his second major geographic name change after dubbing the Gulf of Mexico as 'Gulf of America' in early 2025. This decision has put map and globe manufacturers in a difficult position. While some producers refuse to recognize these changes, others are adapting based on customer demand. The risk of international non-recognition creates additional uncertainty for manufacturers, potentially affecting global sales.
2Replogle Globes' Response
Joseph C. Wright, CEO of 96-year-old Replogle Globes, acknowledges they've weathered many changes from the Soviet Union's collapse to African country renamings. However, he notes Trump's decisions are different: 'Names might revert with administration changes.' Wright highlights how potential lack of international recognition impacts sales, with customers possibly delaying purchases. In 2025, the UK, Mexico and China opposed the Gulf of Mexico renaming, setting a concerning precedent.
3British Manufacturer's Defiance
Chris Adams, founder of UK-based Lander May Globemakers with 20 years of experience, declared they'll completely ignore Trump's changes: 'We don't follow a madman's whims.' Adams emphasized they update names only when approved by the United Nations. 'The Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario will remain as such until officially changed by proper authorities,' he stated, taking a stand against political interference in cartography.
4Customer-Choice Approach
Paul Norrell, owner of Seattle's 1-World Globes Maps with 27 years in business, adopts a different strategy. They custom-print wall maps based on customer requests, offering 'Gulf of America' or 'Lake America' updates at no extra charge while maintaining internationally accepted names by default. Norrell notes that mandatory use in states like Florida might cause some educators to delay purchases. This reflects how political decisions directly affect educational material procurement timelines.
5Demand Dynamics
1-World Globes Maps data shows requests for 'Gulf of America' labels are rare. More commonly, customers verify waters are labeled 'Gulf of Mexico.' Norrell explains world globes are updated less frequently in larger batches, with no manufacturers yet updating globe labels. The political uncertainty affects educational institutions' purchasing schedules. This hesitation reflects broader industry concerns about the stability of politically motivated name changes.
6Unexpected Benefits
Norrell reveals political debates over geographic names have unexpectedly benefited the map industry: 'People are thinking more about maps, we get mainstream media opportunities.' This increased visibility boosts public engagement with cartography. However, Norrell warns state regulations like Florida's mandatory usage requirements might delay purchases. The situation creates both challenges and opportunities for an industry traditionally removed from political spotlight.
7Digital Mapping Dilemma
Digital maps have update advantages over physical ones, but MapQuest previously refused Trump's name change. Apple and Google's response remains unclear. Digital platforms' decisions could create a domino effect on physical manufacturers. Whether international platforms will recognize unilateral US decisions carries significant implications. This highlights the tension between national sovereignty and global mapping standards in the digital age.
8Industry Future
Experts warn the politicization of geographic names may have lasting impacts on the map and globe industry. Frequent name changes with administrations complicate inventory management. Internationally unrecognized changes risk global sales. The industry prefers standards set by neutral bodies like the UN, reflecting tension between unilateral decisions and international norms. This situation underscores cartography's role as both a scientific discipline and political battleground.
Original article: Business Insider — Trump'ın 'Amerika Gölü' Kararı Küre Üreticilerini İkiye Böldü