💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., triggered an immediate online backlash Thursday after posting a sarcastic remark about President Donald Trump’s directive to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” The comment appeared designed to reference Trump aide Natalie Harp, a close presidential confidante, drawing sharp responses from Trump allies who characterized the post as unfair targeting of a staffer.
Dingell’s post on X read: “Let’s just call it Lake Natalie so we know you’ll start protecting our Great Lakes.” The remark surfaced as Trump signed an executive order renaming one of North America’s five Great Lakes amid an escalating trade dispute with Canada.
The Michigan lawmaker’s jab built on earlier comments by Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., who referenced Harp at a rally, suggesting Trump would rather “build his ballroom and travel with Natalie” than fulfill presidential duties. Harp gained renewed public attention after reports emerged that she was among a select group who accompanied Trump on a separate aircraft following intelligence about a potential Iranian threat to Air Force One.
Conservative commentators swiftly condemned the post as unprofessional. GOP analyst Melik Abdul wrote on X that Democrats demonstrated hypocrisy by attacking a female staffer based on party affiliation. Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert “Buzz” Patterson responded with “Stay classy, Michigan,” while veteran news anchor Greta Van Susteren criticized the comment as unfairly targeting a young staff member rather than focusing on the president.
Progressive figures, conversely, celebrated Dingell’s barb. Former conservative lawyer George Conway declared “Debbie wins the Internet today,” while Atlantic contributing editor Norman Ornstein described the quip as a “grand slam.”
More Stories
Trump Threatens FCC Action Against NBC’s Welker Over Endorsement Coverage
Chicago Mayor Issues Executive Order Requiring Contractor Diversity Disclosures and ICE Ties Reporting
University of Pennsylvania Climate Scientist Demands Supreme Court Packing Pledge From Democratic Candidates