USAID Shredding Controversy: Unions Seek Judicial Intervention

The U.S. Agency for International Development faces legal challenges after ordering document destruction. Government unions allege this violates federal law and risks crucial evidence loss. The American Federation of Government Employees, American Foreign Service Association, and Oxfam America have filed a lawsuit, asserting Trump's administration's illegal staff and operation halts. A judge demands status updates.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) finds itself embroiled in a legal battle following allegations of large-scale document destruction. According to a recent court filing, USAID employees were directed to shred records, raising concerns among government worker unions.

The unions claim the instruction, reportedly issued by USAID's acting executive secretary, Erica Carr, contravenes federal record-keeping laws and risks obliterating critical evidence. In response, the American Federation of Government Employees, the American Foreign Service Association, and Oxfam America have jointly filed a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of unlawful actions.

This legal contention follows U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols' previous ruling allowing the administration to place over 2,000 employees on leave. In light of the recent filing, the judge has instructed both parties to propose a briefing schedule by the following morning, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)