By Jaz McKay

A disturbing story has emerged this week that demands immediate action: an email reportedly instructed USAID employees to shred and burn classified documents, potentially violating federal law. If true, this isn’t just sloppy housekeeping—it’s a blatant attempt to erase evidence, and Attorney General Pam Bondi must step up with arrests to prove she’s serious about upholding the law.

The details are chilling. An email, verified by multiple outlets and a union petition to a federal judge, allegedly ordered USAID staff to clear out classified safes and personnel files, starting with shredders and escalating to “burn bags” marked “SECRET.” This directive came as the Trump administration dismantles the agency, slashing 83% of its programs and emptying its headquarters. The timing reeks of cover-up—especially when you consider the ongoing lawsuits over mass firings and program terminations, where those documents could be key evidence. Rep. Gregory Meeks called it a “great way to get rid of evidence of wrongdoing,” and he’s not wrong to suspect foul play.

Let’s not kid ourselves—the establishment narrative might spin this as routine cleanup or bureaucratic overreach, but that dog won’t hunt. Federal law, including the Federal Records Act, tightly regulates the disposal of classified materials, requiring approval from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and a minimum retention period of three years. An email bypassing these safeguards, sent by Acting USAID Secretary Erica Y Carr, suggests intent to destroy rather than preserve. If this holds up, it’s a crime—potentially punishable by prosecution for improper handling of federal records. The National Security Archive’s Tom Blanton labeled it an “illegal document destruction” that undermines accountability, and unions are scrambling to stop it in court.

So where’s Bondi? Sworn in on February 5, 2025, she hit the ground running with 14 “first-day” directives, vowing to crack down on illegal immigration, revive the death penalty, and investigate past “weaponization” of the Justice Department. She’s even hinted at releasing Jeffrey Epstein’s client list and targeting Hamas supporters. Yet, on this USAID mess—now over 48 hours old with no visible action—she’s been silent. Posts on X are buzzing with frustration, questioning why no one’s been hauled in, and the public’s patience is wearing thin. If Bondi’s serious about her “zealous advocacy” for the United States, as she wrote in her memo, she can’t let this slide.

I demand that Attorney General Bondi issue arrests of all key USAID officials involved—starting with Carr—if this email is authentic. The government’s own statement, promising no further destruction without notice, is a weak half-measure; it doesn’t undo the potential damage already done. A sworn declaration about what was destroyed is nice, but it’s meaningless without accountability. If documents tied to intelligence reports or employee clearances were torched, heads must roll. The Justice Department’s credibility hangs in the balance—especially under a Trump administration that’s vowed to drain the swamp.

This isn’t about politics; it’s about principle. If USAID’s leadership knowingly flouted the law to hide something, they’ve betrayed the public trust. Bondi has the tools—her task forces, her get-tough policy on career lawyers—to act decisively. Anything less is a green light for more corruption. Prove us wrong, Pam—issue those arrests and show America you mean business. The clock’s ticking.