Sir, – Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario (“Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario as ‘Lake United States’”, August 27th) would be almost laughable were it not for what it says about the way the president of the United States conducts himself on the world stage.At a time of war, humanitarian catastrophe and growing economic uncertainty, Trump appears increasingly preoccupied with gestures designed to provoke and dominate.His suggestion that the Atlantic or Pacific might be next would be comic were the consequences of his wider foreign policy not so serious.The timing of the lake renaming is hardly accidental. As the trade war with Canada intensifies, and Trump continues to threaten tariffs and even question Canada’s status as an independent nation, this looks less like serious government and more like political theatre.Meanwhile, the conflicts involving Palestine and Iran continue to bring death and destruction, while the wider economic consequences of war, tariffs and energy disruption are being felt across the world. Ireland is not immune. Higher energy and food costs are ultimately paid for by households and businesses here.Against this background, perhaps Ireland should think twice about rolling out the red carpet for Trump’s forthcoming visit to Doonbeg. Of course, we should show the appropriate courtesy to a visiting US president. But there is a difference between courtesy and excessive deference.Ireland can remain a friend of the American people without pretending to admire bullying, provocation and contempt for international co-operation. – Yours, etc,MICHAEL O’MEARAFenor,Co Waterford.