For Immediate Release
March 11, 2025
Contact: Communications Director Nikki Gamer | Cell #: (978) 884-0003 | gamer@afsa.org

Washington, D.C. – The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is alarmed by reports that USAID has directed the destruction of classified and sensitive documents that may be relevant to ongoing litigation regarding the termination of USAID employees and the cessation of USAID grants.

Federal law is clear: the preservation of government records is essential to transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the legal process. The Federal Records Act of 1950 and its implementing regulations establish strict requirements for the retention of official records, particularly those that may be relevant to legal proceedings. Furthermore, the unlawful destruction of federal records could carry serious legal consequences for anyone directed to act in violation of the law.

AFSA is closely monitoring this situation and urges USAID leadership to provide immediate clarity on this directive. We call for full adherence to federal records preservation laws to ensure accountability and protect the rights of USAID employees.

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is the professional association and labor union of the men and women of the United States Foreign Service.