A court filing claims a leaked USAID email instructed staff to “shred and burn classified documents,” sparking widespread controversy.
A leaked email from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has caused a stir.
The email allegedly instructs staff to “shred and burn classified documents.”
This revelation comes amid significant changes within the agency following the return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk take aim at the USAID
After President Trump reclaimed the presidency, he and Elon Musk targeted USAID, the main U.S. agency responsible for global aid.
Trump has criticized the agency’s spending, calling it “totally unexplainable.” Musk has gone further, labeling USAID a “criminal organization” and suggesting it should be eliminated.
Since Trump’s return, USAID has seen massive staff reductions. Approximately 1,600 employees have been fired, and another 4,200 have been placed on leave.
The goal is to reduce the workforce from around 10,000 to about 500.
USAID email ordered staff to shred and burn classified documents
The email in question, allegedly sent by Acting Executive Secretary Erica Y. Carr, outlines a plan for mass document destruction.
It instructs employees to “shred as many documents first” and to use burn bags if shredders are unavailable.
The email details how to properly use the burn bags, including instructions on not overfilling them.
This directive raises concerns about the potential destruction of evidence.
It read in part: “Shred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break.
“It you need to use the burn bags, do not overfill, and ensure the burn bag can be closed with staples at the top.”
A union representing the fired employees has filed for a restraining order to prevent this destruction.
They argue that the documents could be relevant to ongoing legal matters.
Union seeks restraining order to stop document destruction.
The union’s court filing aims to secure a temporary restraining order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
They assert that the Trump administration is actively destroying evidence that could be important for litigation.
The filing states, “Defendants are… destroying documents with potential pertinence to this litigation.”
If the court grants the restraining order, it could halt the destruction of documents while the legal process unfolds.
This case raises significant questions about transparency and accountability within the government.
“Plaintiffs file this emergency motion for temporary restraining order to stop Defendants’ imminent and ongoing destruction of evidence,” the filing read.
“Defendants are, as this motion is being filed, destroying documents with potential pertinence to this litigation.”
The future of USAID
While Trump may have the power to make significant changes to USAID, he will likely need support from Congress to fully shut down the agency.
USAID was established as an independent agency in 1998, and dismantling it would require legislative action.
As the legal battle unfolds, the future of USAID remains uncertain.
The agency plays a crucial role in providing aid to countries in need, and its downsizing could have far-reaching consequences.
Just Security explains: “Litigation and congressional oversight are certain to follow, but the question is how effective either will be in the immediate term at stopping the most damaging impacts for USAID’s programs and its employees.
“The details of the E.O. will shape how specific challenges to the action unfold, but expect to see at a minimum suits brought by beneficiaries of USAID programs, impoundment act challenges, and more.”
Reactions from the Public and Experts
The leaked email has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.
Many people are alarmed by the idea of shredding and burning classified documents, especially in a government agency responsible for international aid.
One user said: Probably still not enough to convince his enablers that something has to be done…….
The second user added: Does this action (directive to destroy documents) sound like the directive of an Administration that is out of control?
The third user commented: This is totally unacceptable and illegal to the fullest … This should never be done without proper review and permission Congress per public hearing where possible
The fourth wrote: If these documents have not been digitized, that should raise major concern.
Not just for the shredding and disposal, but why this hasn’t been done?
Another user said: Why, to hide that there was nothing wrong going on , burn the proof , that we are idiots …