Battle Over USAID Record Shredding Intensifies

Government employee unions are suing the Trump administration to stop the destruction of records at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The unions have filed a motion in federal court, revealing an internal email urging employees to shred classified documents. The case highlights tensions over record-keeping practices.

Government employee unions have intensified their legal battle against the Trump administration, seeking to halt the destruction of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) records. On Tuesday, the unions requested a judicial intervention to block the order that mandates the shredding of agency documents.

Filed in Washington, D.C.'s federal court, the motion draws attention to an internal email penned by USAID acting Executive Secretary Erica Carr. The email instructs USAID staff to report to the agency's office for the purpose of clearing classified safes and personnel records.

Employees were advised to prioritize shredding documents, with Carr stating, "Shred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break." This case underlines the ongoing controversy regarding administrative record management.

(With inputs from agencies.)