USAID Employees Ordered to Destroy Classified Documents

USAID Employees Ordered to Destroy Classified Documents

Employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have been directed to shred and burn classified documents, along with personnel files, in a move that has raised concerns among labor groups amid ongoing efforts to dismantle the agency.

In an internal email, Acting Executive Secretary Erica Y. Carr thanked staff for shredding classified records from the Washington, D.C. office safes and instructed them to meet outside to burn the remaining files.

"Shred as many documents as possible, and if the shredder jams, burn them," the email read.

Employees were also advised to ensure that document disposal bags were properly labeled with the word "SECRET" to indicate their classified nature.

The BBC has reviewed a copy of this email. However, the U.S. Department of State has not yet provided a response regarding the directive.

Concerns Over USAID Closure

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), a union representing USAID employees, expressed “deep concern” over the reports. It warned that these documents might hold crucial information related to ongoing legal challenges regarding USAID's workforce reductions and the termination of grants.

The Trump administration faces multiple legal battles over the decision to shut down USAID, a move initiated soon after President Donald Trump took office in January.

Labor unions and advocacy groups have strongly opposed the administration’s decision, arguing that it violates funding mandates approved by the U.S. Congress.

Many USAID employees remain on mandatory administrative leave, allowing them to receive salaries while facing uncertainty about their future employment.

Trump Administration’s Leadership Changes

In February, the Trump administration appointed Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and interim head of USAID, while Pete Marocco, a State Department official, was assigned to oversee the agency’s daily operations.

Earlier this week, Rubio announced that more than 80% of USAID-funded programs would be eliminated.

"Following a six-week review, the Trump administration has officially decided to terminate 83% of USAID programs," Rubio stated on X (formerly Twitter).

He further alleged that 5,200 contracts had misused billions of dollars, with some programs even undermining U.S. interests.

The future of USAID remains uncertain, as opposition groups continue to challenge the administration’s move to shut down one of the world’s most prominent humanitarian aid agencies.