MapQuest reports surge in downloads after refusing to rename Lake Ontario
MapQuest said its app saw over 1.5 million downloads in a week after it kept the traditional name of Lake Ontario despite a presidential order to rename it, while public opinion polls show strong opposition to the rename.
MapQuest's general manager Doug Berger told CNBC's Erin Burnett that the navigation app experienced a rapid increase in downloads, exceeding 1.5 million in less than a week, after the company posted a map of Lake Ontario with its historic name on X, refusing to adopt the new designation announced by President Donald Trump. The company said it remains the top navigation app on the U.S. and Canadian Apple App Store.
Berger described the growth as "completely shocking" and noted that usage metrics appear to be "through the roof," although the firm has not released detailed usage data. He added that users are actively providing feedback on desired features, which the development team is working to implement.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 63% of Americans disapproved of the president's proposed name change for the lake, while only 14% expressed support. The poll reflects broader public resistance to the rebranding effort.
In response to the X post, Eric Trump criticized MapQuest, suggesting the company was outdated. Berger dismissed the comment as "hilarious" and emphasized the company's 30-year history in digital mapping.
When asked whether the company might be approached by the president, Berger said MapQuest is focused on its users and that the decision to retain traditional geographic names was not intended as a political statement but simply to provide familiar names for lakes and gulfs.