Poll: Americans oppose Trump’s clash with Canada, tariffs and renaming of lake

U.S. President Donald Trump is facing widespread public opposition over the new trade conflict with Canada, as well as his initiative to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America.”

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that 63% of Americans do not support changing the lake’s name, while only 14% of respondents are in favor. The results were published as the United States approaches the 2026 midterm elections.

The idea also fails to win majority support among Republicans: 43% oppose it, while 33% support it. However, dissatisfaction is even stronger toward the new U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. According to the poll, 57% of Americans reject the tariffs, while only 20% express support for them.

The data also show that 46% of Americans believe the United States bears primary responsibility for the escalation of the trade conflict. Only 12% attribute responsibility to Canada.

Another indicator of public opinion is that 68% of Americans would prefer Washington not to take a hard line in talks with Canada, even if that meant the United States did not secure everything it is seeking.

The poll results show that the confrontation with Canada has little support among the public. Even within the Republican Party, Trump’s tough approach enjoys limited support.