A remark made by Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., regarding President Donald Trump's decision to rename Lake Ontario has ignited a significant reaction on social media.
In response to Trump's executive order renaming the lake "Lake America" amidst a trade dispute with Canada, Dingell wrote on the social media platform X, "Let’s just call it Lake Natalie so we know you’ll start protecting our Great Lakes." The comment is widely interpreted as a reference to Trump aide Natalie Harp, a close associate of the president.
The jab has drawn sharp criticism from allies of President Trump, who accuse Dingell and other Democrats of unfairly targeting a White House staffer. GOP commentator Melik Abdul stated on X that Democrats do not care about sexism but rather party affiliation. Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert "Buzz" Patterson commented, "Wow. Stay classy, Michigan." Veteran news anchor Greta Van Susteren noted the remark was "not nice to a young woman staffer" and questioned why the aide deserved such treatment, suggesting the ultimate target was the president.
This exchange follows a comment made by Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., during a campaign rally. Ossoff reportedly said Trump would prefer to "build his ballroom and travel with Natalie" rather than perform presidential duties. Media coverage of Natalie Harp has reportedly increased significantly since Ossoff's remark.
Conversely, Dingell's comment garnered support from some progressive and liberal circles. Former conservative lawyer George Conway declared, "Debbie wins the Internet today, full stop." Democratic commentator Janice Hough wrote, "Rep. Debbie, I was not familiar with your game." Norman Ornstein, contributing editor for The Atlantic, quipped, "Debbie hits a grand slam."
President Trump's decision to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America" occurred Thursday, amid an ongoing trade dispute with Canada.