“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.

An email was fired off to staffers from Erica Carr — the acting executive secretary at USAID — Tuesday calling for an “all day” effort to help destruct agency documents at the