“Shred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break,” the email said. Carr instructed staff to label the burn bags with the words “SECRET” and “USAID/B/IO/” (agency shorthand for “bureau or independent office”) in dark Sharpie.

A USAID official instructed employees Tuesday on "clearing our classified safes" by shredding documents at the embattled foreign aid agency's Washington headquarters.