Pennsylvania state Representative David Maloney (R) has publicly urged President Trump to rename Lake Erie to “Lake Pennsylvania.” The proposal, introduced this week, is framed by Maloney as a way to solidify the state’s identity regarding its only Great Lake. According to Maloney, the region's modern economy is increasingly dependent on tourism, boating, and fishing, and he believes the name change would highlight Pennsylvania's specific stake in the lake.

Maloney’s request follows a series of actions taken by the Trump administration earlier this year regarding geographic naming conventions. While the proposal has been introduced as a formal request to the executive branch, it remains unclear what legal or administrative process would be required to rename a major international body of water that borders multiple states and Canada. The Hill reports that the lawmaker is positioning the move as a symbolic gesture to honor the local communities that rely on the lake for their livelihoods. No official response from the White House or federal geographic authorities has been issued regarding the feasibility or potential impact of such a renaming effort.