The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has ordered its staff to destroy sensitive documents following the recent announcement that 83% of its programs are being permanently shut down.
According to an internal email sent by Acting Executive Secretary Erica Y. Carr, employees were instructed to shred as many documents as possible and prepare sealed bags for incineration. The email also directed staff to meet in the courtyard for a one-day event where the destruction of classified materials would take place.
Concerns Over Transparency and Legal Compliance
This directive has raised alarms among legal experts and government watchdogs, who argue that such actions may violate federal record-keeping laws. Typically, sensitive documents are sealed and transported to secure locations for disposal, but USAID’s latest orders suggest an urgent and unprecedented level of document destruction.
The email further instructed staff to mark the sealed bags with “SECRET” and “USAID (B/IO),” referring to the agency’s Bureau or Independent Office.
Rubio Confirms Massive Program Cancellations
Two days prior to this development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed via social media that 83% of USAID programs had been officially terminated. According to Rubio, more than 5,200 contracts were canceled following a six-week review. He claimed that many of these programs had been misaligned with U.S. national interests and represented unnecessary spending of taxpayer money.
Fallout and Legal Action
The abrupt dismantling of USAID has already triggered strong reactions from international organizations and U.S. government unions. Legal experts and advocacy groups have filed an emergency motion in federal court to block the destruction of documents, arguing that it could interfere with ongoing legal challenges and congressional reviews.
As concerns over transparency and accountability grow, the Biden administration has yet to respond to the legal and diplomatic implications of these actions. The fate of USAID’s remaining programs and staff remains uncertain.
