Alberta Separatists: Trump Administration Held Secret Talks Since April

CALGARY, AB — Trump administration officials have held at least three covert meetings with Alberta separatist leaders since April 2025, discussing the province's potential independence from Canada and a USD $500 billion credit line to fund a referendum.

The revelation puts Prime Minister Mark Carney in an uncomfortable position: a sitting U.S. president engaging directly with groups advocating the breakup of Canada.

The Meetings Behind Closed Doors

Representatives of the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) — an advocacy group pushing for the province's self-determination — confirmed the meetings took place with Trump administration officials. APP legal counsel Jeff Rath stated publicly that he has a 'much stronger relationship' with the Trump administration than with Canada's own Prime Minister.

The APP is now seeking a USD $500 billion credit line from the U.S. State and Treasury Departments to help finance an independence referendum.

What the APP Wants

The Alberta Prosperity Project aims to eliminate provincial income tax by 2030, establish an Alberta Pension Plan, and create an Alberta Police Force. On January 2, 2026, Elections Alberta approved the APP's petition to initiate a separation referendum. The group now has until May 2, 2026, to collect approximately 177,000 signatures — 10% of registered voters — to trigger a provincewide vote.

Recent February 2026 polling shows 71% of Albertans wish to remain part of Canada, while nearly one in five support independence.

Carney's Response

Prime Minister Carney has publicly stated his expectation for the U.S. 'to respect Canadian sovereignty' in response to reports of the meetings. At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 20, 2026, Carney delivered what observers called a 'veiled denunciation' of Trump administration policies, calling for middle powers to unite against economic coercion and 'rebuild sovereignty.'

On February 17, 2026, Carney launched Canada's first Defence Industrial Strategy, aimed at reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and protecting Canadian sovereignty.

The Trump Factor

President Trump initiated a trade war on February 1, 2025, imposing 25% tariffs on most Canadian imports and 10% on oil and energy. Canada retaliated with 25% tariffs on CA$30 billion of American goods. Though the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump's use of global tariffs on February 20, 2026, Trump vowed to pursue alternative economic measures.

Trump's recurring rhetoric about Canada becoming the '51st state' has further strained relations throughout 2025.

What Happens Next

The APP's signature-gathering campaign runs through early May. If successful, Albertans could face a referendum question on separation later this year. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's involvement raises questions about foreign interference in Canadian unity — and whether Washington sees Alberta as a potential economic ally independent of Ottawa.

For now, the petition circulates. And the U.S. watches closely.