In a move that has sent shockwaves through Washington, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has instructed its remaining staff to destroy a vast array of documents, including classified materials. This directive comes as the agency undergoes a significant downsizing under the Trump administration.
On Tuesday, Erica Carr, USAID’s acting executive director, sent an email to staffers detailing the urgent need for document destruction. The email, obtained by POLITICO, stated: “Shred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break.” Staff were further instructed to label burn bags with “SECRET” and “USAID/B/IO/” using a dark Sharpie.
The email did not provide a specific reason for the mass destruction of documents. However, it coincides with the agency vacating its headquarters in the Ronald Reagan Building following widespread layoffs. The building is slated to be occupied by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which recently leased 390,000 square feet of office space there.
This development underscores the tumultuous dismantling of an agency that once managed a $40 billion annual budget and employed over 10,000 staff worldwide. The Trump administration, with support from tech mogul Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has aggressively pursued a leaner federal workforce. Consequently, more than 80% of USAID’s programs have been canceled, with the remaining operations being transferred to the State Department.
The directive has raised significant legal and ethical concerns. A union representing USAID contractors has filed a motion in federal court seeking to halt the destruction of records. The union argues that such actions could violate federal record-keeping laws and potentially destroy evidence pertinent to ongoing lawsuits challenging the agency’s dismantling.
The email from Carr instructed employees to begin the destruction process promptly, emphasizing the urgency of clearing out classified safes and personnel documents. This rapid destruction of agency records on a large scale is unprecedented and has alarmed many within the agency and beyond.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly dismissed the concerns, labeling them as “fake news hysteria.” She asserted that the documents targeted for destruction were “old, mostly courtesy content (content from other agencies),” and that original versions still exist on classified computer systems.
Critics, however, remain skeptical. Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accused the administration of potentially violating federal records laws. He suggested that the hasty destruction of documents could be an attempt to eliminate evidence of wrongdoing amid the agency’s controversial shutdown.
The situation has been further complicated by previous incidents at USAID. Last month, two of the agency’s top security officials were placed on administrative leave after refusing to grant DOGE personnel access to classified materials. This incident has fueled concerns about the proper handling and potential misuse of sensitive information during the agency’s transition.
The abrupt dismantling of USAID has had far-reaching implications. The agency’s closure has disrupted numerous humanitarian and development programs worldwide, affecting millions who rely on U.S. foreign assistance. The loss of institutional knowledge and expertise, coupled with the potential destruction of critical records, raises questions about the future of U.S. foreign aid and the nation’s role in global development.
Legal experts caution that the destruction of documents, especially those that are classified or pertain to personnel, must adhere strictly to federal regulations. Any deviation could result in legal repercussions and further tarnish the administration’s handling of the agency’s closure. The courts are now being asked to intervene to ensure that proper procedures are followed and that accountability is maintained.
The unfolding events at USAID highlight the challenges and controversies surrounding the restructuring of federal agencies. As the administration pushes for a more streamlined government, the methods and implications of such drastic measures continue to spark debate and concern among policymakers, legal experts, and the public.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on the legal proceedings and the administration’s next steps. The outcome will not only impact the future of USAID but also set precedents for how federal agencies can be restructured or dismantled in the future.
In the meantime, the directive to shred and burn documents serves as a stark reminder of the rapid and contentious changes unfolding within the U.S. government. The balance between efficiency and accountability remains a critical consideration as the nation navigates these transformative times.