Legal Showdown: Are USAID Document Destruction Orders Breaking Federal Law?

After discovering that the Trump administration ordered the removal of significant agency records, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers’ unions are voicing concerns. According to union organizers, the lack of these records might make reemployment efforts nearly impossible, as they include vital information that could help reinstate fired workers.

The allegations surfaced when an internal communication instructed USAID staff to delete several files, including personnel files and other private material. The measure has angered unions, who say it may violate federal record-keeping laws meant to ensure transparency and accountability.

Shred or Burn: The Destruction Orders

Leaked emails reportedly show that USAID’s acting executive secretary, Erica Carr, instructed staff to “shred and burn” documents. According to sources within the agency, employees were told to prioritize shredding, with burning as an alternative when shredding was not an option.

“Staff were shocked to receive such a directive,” said a USAID employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Many of us were uncomfortable carrying it out, but we felt we had no choice.”

The instructions reportedly included destroying paperwork that detailed employment histories and performance evaluations—documents that could be crucial for workers who were terminated and seeking reinstatement.

Unions Fight Back

In response to these revelations, unions representing USAID employees are taking legal action to halt any further destruction of documents. The unions argue that these actions not only violate federal laws but also undermine government integrity and worker protections.

“This is an outrageous attempt to erase the paper trail that could help get wrongly fired employees back on the job,” said one union leader. “It’s an assault on transparency, and we won’t stand for it.”

Union representatives have filed complaints with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and have asked Congress to investigate. Legal experts warn that if the Trump administration did indeed order the destruction of records tied to workforce reductions, it could be a serious breach of government record-keeping laws.

Political Motives?

Some critics believe this mass shredding of documents is more than just routine housekeeping—it could be politically motivated. The Trump administration made drastic staffing cuts across several government agencies, including USAID, as part of broader efforts to reduce bureaucracy. But some argue that these cuts disproportionately targeted career officials who were perceived as obstacles to the administration’s policy goals.

“There were firings left and right, and many of the people let go were highly experienced professionals,” said a former senior USAID official. “Now, with documents disappearing, it raises real concerns about whether there was an effort to make it harder for them to return.”

Potential Legal Consequences

Destroying government records without authorization is a serious offense, and legal experts say the administration could face consequences if wrongdoing is proven. Under the Federal Records Act, agencies must preserve records that have ongoing administrative, legal, or historical value.

“If it’s found that these documents were intentionally destroyed to obstruct rehiring efforts or cover up improper terminations, there could be serious legal fallout,” said a government accountability expert.

What Happens Next?

The unions are now urging congressional leaders to launch an investigation into the matter. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for greater transparency regarding government record-keeping policies, and this latest controversy is likely to fuel further scrutiny.

Meanwhile, current and former USAID employees remain anxious about the implications. Many hope that if an investigation moves forward, it will not only uncover the truth but also lead to protections that prevent similar actions in the future.

For now, the fight over USAID’s shredded documents is far from over, and it could have lasting consequences for both government accountability and the agency’s workforce.