USAID staff told to shred, burn documents; employee unions challenge order in court
The latest agency directive comes amid concerns over handling of sensitive records under US President Donald Trump's administration amid its efforts to cut down assistance activities overseas, The Washington Post reported.
What's the order?
Erica Carr, USAID’s acting Executive Secretary, ordered the remaining staff of the agency to convene at its former headquarters in Washington on Tuesday as part of the “all day” effort to destroy documents stored at the premises, Politico reported.
The email sent by Carr marked for destruction sensitive documents, which includes contents related to “classified safes and personnel documents”.
“Shred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break,” the news outlet quoted the email as saying.
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The burn bags will be earmarked with words like “SECRET” and “USAID/B/IO/” — USAID's shorthand for 'bureau or independent office'.
As per The Washington Post, the directive to shred or burn documents, including the ones related to agency personnel, has triggered an alarm on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers reminding Trump's administration about the obligation to comply with laws that prohibit such things.
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Why do USAID’s actions matter?
The latest director comes after a series of actions by Trump's administration against USAID ever since he became the 47th President of the US in January this year.
Earlier, the Trump-led administration cancelled most of the agency's contracts, terminated over 1,600 positions at USAID and decided to put the majority of its 10,000-strong workforce on administrative leave.
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