The Indicator from Planet Money ICE influencers, a world-record trade surplus, and the moon goes nuclear
12 snips
Jan 16, 2026 
Sarah Gonzalez, a Planet Money reporter, joins to dive into ICE’s ambitious $100 million influencer recruitment strategy, likening it to past government campaigns. They also analyze China's record-breaking $1.2 trillion trade surplus and discuss the implications of cheap Chinese goods on local manufacturers. Finally, they reveal NASA's plans for a lunar nuclear reactor by 2030, exploring its potential to ensure continuous power for long-term lunar missions. Tune in for a whirlwind tour of economic currents and future space ambitions!
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Government Uses Influencers To Recruit
- The Trump administration allocated $100 million for a rapid ICE recruitment push, including social media ads and influencer pay.
- The strategy treats influencers as trust-builders to humanize ICE careers for Gen Z and millennials.
Hosts Compare ICE Ads To Ad Industry
- The hosts compared ICE influencer language to standard ad industry phrasing like 'build trust through authentic peer-to-peer messaging.'
- They noted past government influencer efforts, such as recruitment for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.
ICE Budget Surge Enables Rapid Hiring
- ICE's enforcement and deportation budget roughly tripled, enabling modernized equipment and massive hiring.
- The Department of Homeland Security reported hiring 12,000 officers in about four months, more than doubling its workforce.