Gillibrand calls 'Lake America' absurd

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)......Sen. Kristen Gillibrand is not mincing words when she talks President Trump's rebranding of Lake Ontario as Lake America.

"It's absurdity and more chaos from President Trump," Gillibrand said.

Gillibrand made those comments during a brief stop, Friday, at Feedmore WNY's Holt Street headquarters.

Trump issued an executive order that renamed the historic Great Lake that borders both the U.S. and Canada including touching the shoreline of Niagara County and other Western New York counties.

Trump's order has been dismissed by many including Gov. Kathy Hochul.

But, his order adds yet another layer - coupled with tariff wars he stated with Canada - to the strained trade and other relations between the U.S. and Canada.

Canada was the U.S.'s largest commercial trading partner.

"There are enormous economic ties between the U.S. and Canada," Gillibrand said. "I find it deeply offensive."

Gillibrand is not alone.

Seneca Nation of Indians President J.C. Seneca blasted Trump for his decision - not only because of U.S. and Canada relations but also because it tramples on indigenous history.

Ontario, in traditional Seneca language translates to 'beautiful lake'.

"The action President Trump is taking is starkly un-presidential and demeaning to his office," Seneca said in a prepared statement.

"The President can not assert ownership over our culture or erase it through irresponsible political action," Seneca said.