Trump Administration Holds Private Talks with Canadian Separatists Seeking Alberta Independence
By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada 29/1/2026
Senior officials in U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration have held a series of confidential meetings with representatives of a far-right Canadian separatist group that wants to break Alberta away from Canada, according to multiple news reports.
The meetings took place in Washington, D.C., with leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) — a fringe movement advocating for Alberta’s independence from the rest of Canada. APP representatives say they met U.S. State Department officials three times since April 2025 to discuss their goals.
APP’s legal counsel has described the engagement with Washington officials as substantive, claiming attendees spoke with “very, very senior people” and that the U.S. was enthusiastic about a free and independent Alberta. The group hopes to secure support for a proposed $500 billion credit facility to help Alberta financially in the event a referendum on independence passes — though no such vote has been called yet.
Both the White House and the U.S. State Department have downplayed the significance of the meetings, saying that officials routinely meet with various civic groups and that no commitments, pledges or policy support were conveyed during these discussions.
The revelations have sparked sharp criticism from Canadian political leaders. British Columbia Premier David Eby called the reported talks “completely inappropriate,” saying seeking assistance from a foreign government to break up Canada amounts to “treason.” Other provincial premiers echoed concerns about sovereignty and the impact of such engagements on national unity.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers have been holding high-level meetings in Ottawa focused on unity and cooperation amid broader tensions between Ottawa and Washington — including disputes over trade, tariffs and cross-border policy differences.
Observers note that while the separatist movement has drawn attention, most Albertans still support remaining part of Canada. APP’s efforts to broaden support, including through online networks and outreach to U.S. political allies, highlight growing political friction both within Canada and in its relationship with the United States.
