USAID Staff Directed to Shred and Burn Documents Amid Agency Shutdown

The Trump administration's dismantling of USAID has led to a controversial directive to destroy classified and personnel records, raising legal and transparency concerns.

An email from USAID's acting executive secretary, Erica Carr, instructed remaining staff to destroy classified and personnel documents using shredders and burn bags.
The directive coincides with the Trump administration's efforts to shut down USAID, including mass layoffs and the cancellation of 83% of its programs.
Legal experts and unions argue that the destruction of documents may violate the Federal Records Act and could impact ongoing litigation against the agency's closure.
The email stated the destruction process would be an all-day event at USAID's Washington, D.C., headquarters, which is being vacated for Customs and Border Protection.
A federal judge has ordered both sides in related lawsuits to provide updates on the situation, with critics fearing the loss of critical evidence for legal and historical purposes.