The Indicator from Planet Money

Catching up with a fired federal worker, a shrimper and a fraudster

December 18, 2025

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  • Elizabeth Aniskevich, a former CFPB employee fired during the Trump administration, successfully transitioned to a higher-paying role at a private firm specializing in consumer class action lawsuits, partly due to her media interviews. 
  • Louisiana shrimper AC Cooper remains a strong supporter of Trump's tariffs despite initial negative impacts on shrimp prices due to pre-tariff flooding, believing patience will lead to long-term benefits for U.S. shrimping. 
  • The fraud case involving Frank founder Charlie Javies, who inflated customer numbers before selling to JP Morgan, has resulted in $128 million in legal fees for the bank, including disputed expenses like luxury hotel upgrades and 'cellulite butter,' as Javies appeals her conviction. 

Segments

Checking in with Fired Worker
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(00:00:11)
  • Key Takeaway: Former CFPB attorney Elizabeth Aniskevich secured a promotion at a private firm specializing in consumer class action lawsuits after being fired.
  • Summary: The Indicator from Planet Money checks in with Elizabeth Aniskevich, who was fired from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Her media appearances, including on this podcast, helped her secure a new role at a firm doing similar consumer protection work. She is now leading a team and is happy with her position, though she remains concerned about the Trump administration’s actions against the CFPB.
Shrimper’s Tariff Update
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(00:04:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Louisiana shrimper AC Cooper supports tariffs despite initial price drops caused by foreign suppliers flooding the market before the tariffs took effect.
  • Summary: Stephen Basaha follows up with AC Cooper, a Louisiana shrimper who supported President Trump’s tariffs. Imports surged just before the tariffs were enacted, causing shrimp prices to plummet temporarily. Prices have since climbed over a third higher than last year, and Cooper remains patient, believing the tariffs will eventually benefit U.S. shrimping, though he worries about potential Supreme Court challenges to the tariffs.
Update on Frank Fraud Case
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(00:06:45)
  • Key Takeaway: JPMorgan faces $128 million in legal fees related to the Frank acquisition fraud, including disputed charges for luxury expenses.
  • Summary: Steven Basaha provides an update on the fraud case involving Charlie Javies, founder of the student financial aid startup Frank, acquired by JP Morgan for $175 million. Javies was convicted and sentenced to 85 months in prison for inflating customer numbers. JP Morgan is now responsible for her legal fees under the acquisition deal, which total nearly the acquisition price, with lawyers citing expenses like ‘cellulite butter’ and luxury hotel upgrades.
NPR Funding Appeal
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(00:10:17)
  • Key Takeaway: Federal funding for NPR and local public media stations has been eliminated as of this fall, necessitating listener support.
  • Summary: Host Darian Woods addresses the vital role of public media, which was founded to provide free news regardless of ability to pay. Federal funding for NPR and local stations has been eliminated as of the fall. Listeners are encouraged to support public media by subscribing to NPR Plus to continue receiving in-depth economic coverage.