National Rebranding Standards Cited
DES MOINES — Iowa lawmakers voted last week to rename Lake Okoboji as Kari Lake, explaining that the state must remain “nationally consistent” with a growing movement to rename public landmarks after politically approved figures.
The move follows a series of high-profile federal rebranding efforts championed by former President Donald Trump, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, restoring Mount McKinley, and floating proposals to attach his name to federal buildings, warships, and cultural institutions, most notably the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace.
“If Washington can do it, so can Iowa,” said one lawmaker, gesturing toward a map of the state where Lake Okoboji had already been replaced with bold red text reading KARI LAKE. “This is about alignment. About brand discipline.”
A Proven Model: Rename First, Ask Later
Supporters of the measure pointed to Trump’s successful strategy of asserting ownership through naming.
“When a name feels right, you don’t overthink it,” another legislator explained. “Trump Tower, Trump Plaza, Trump National, people understand that system. We’re just applying it to geography.”
Under the proposal, state agencies would begin updating maps, tourism materials, and signage as funding allows, while assuring the public that the lake itself will “remain wet and mostly unchanged.”
‘Okoboji Was a Branding Problem’
Several lawmakers acknowledged that “Okoboji” had long raised concerns.
“It’s hard to chant,” one said. “Kari Lake is clean. Modern. It sounds like it could host a rally.”
The bill’s language emphasizes that the renaming is symbolic but aspirational, encouraging Iowans to “think bigger” about what public spaces can represent when stripped of historical inconvenience.
Limited Objections, Predictable Outcomes
Residents expressed confusion.
“My grandparents met at Lake Okoboji,” said one resident. “Do I update my memories, or…?”
Tourism officials declined to comment, though internal drafts reportedly suggest new slogans such as ‘Kari Lake: Where Tradition Meets Talking Points.’
More Renaming Under Review
Legislators hinted that additional changes may be forthcoming, citing Trump-era proposals to rename battleships, federal agencies, and even holidays.
“We’re just getting started,” said one sponsor. “Once you realize names are flexible, everything becomes negotiable.”
As the vote concluded, a quiet voice echoed from the back of the chamber.
“Not Lake Okoboji.”
The remark was ruled out of order.
