Trump reposts AI clip kicking over Lake Ontario sign after Carney demands the Americans ‘stop doing memes’

Trump reposts AI clip kicking over Lake Ontario sign after Carney demands the Americans ‘stop doing memes’ The Truth Social video came just hours after Canadian PM urged Trump to get serious about trade negotiations - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s demand that “the Americans stop doing memes” appears to have fallen on deaf ears when it comes to President Donald Trump. As the bitter trade war between the two countries deepens, Trump reposted an AI-generated video on Truth Social where he is seen kicking over a “Welcome to Lake Ontario” sign and replacing it with one reading “Welcome to Lake America.” He then bops to “Y.M.C.A.,” one of his favorite songs, with his signature dance moves. The Truth Social theatrics come as the U.S. and Canada — longtime allies and major trading partners — are locked in an escalating tariff dispute. Washington imposed 50 percent tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian exports last month, while Canada is set to impose retaliatory levies of up to 50 percent next week. No negotiations are currently taking place. Against the backdrop of the economic standoff, Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake America” last week. On Tuesday, when asked about recent posturing from U.S. officials, Carney said: ““When the Americans stop doing memes, stop throwing shade, stop trying to be tough and start being serious about having those discussions — we can have those discussions.” “But look, it’s not constructive, but that’s their democracy,” Carney added. Hours later, Trump reposted an AI-generated clip of himself knocking over the Lake Ontario sign. It was just the latest trolling attempt by the president aimed at Canada. He’s posted a glut of AI content boasting about his Lake America rebrand, including a video depicting an army of buff, bequiffed “Donald Ducks” patrolling the shores of the Great Lake, which sits between New York state and the province of Ontario. Trump signed an executive order August 27 directing federal agencies to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America” in all official documents and records. The order, however, cannot compel private entities, states or foreign nations to follow the president’s lead. Still, Google Maps recently added “Lake America” to its map of the body of water. Apple Maps followed suit this week. In response to the executive order, Carney posted on X that the lake’s name dates back more than 400 years,” having been derived from an indigenous word.” He added: “This lake is called Lake Ontario – today and forever.” Over the weekend, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has repeatedly clashed with Trump, unveiled a massive billboard along the Canadian shore bearing the message: “Lake Ontario. Now and Always.” Most Americans side with Canadian officials on Lake Ontario, according to a new Reuters survey. Some 63 percent of respondents said they opposed Trump’s name change, while just 14 percent said they supported it. The squabble over the Great Lake was triggered by a bitter trade war between the two nations. Last month, the U.S. imposed 50 percent tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian exports after last-minute talks between Washington and Ottawa broke down. The levies applied to a range of goods, including hockey sticks, honey and wine. In response, Canada slapped retaliatory tariffs of up to 50 percent on a variety of American products, which are set to take effect September 8. Carney also likened Trump’s move to an act of war. According to the Reuters survey, most Americans are wary of Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canada, a longtime ally and major trading partner. In the poll, 57 percent of respondents opposed the tariff increases, while just 20 percent supported them. Relations with Canada have deteriorated more broadly since Trump took office — in part because of the president's multiple layers of tariffs and his repeated claim that Canada should become the “51st state.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments