
The Lead with Jake Tapper
CNN's lead DC anchor and chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper, hosts this two-hour long weekday afternoon program, with headlines from around the country and the world, the top stories in national and international news, politics, health, money, the environment, sports and popular culture. The Lead also concentrates on bringing stories that aren't found on front pages—buried leads—to the forefront.
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 28min
Trump: “Hope” Congress Can Pass Agenda Bill By July 4
CNN has new reprint on efforts to bring Iran to the negotiating table for nuclear talks. Plus, Republicans are forced to go back to the drawing board, to a degree, on Trump’s agenda bill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 28min
Trump Maintains U.S. Strikes Destroyed Iran Nuclear Program
President Trump continues to insist the United States destroyed Iran’s nuclear sites. Also, President Trump attacks journalists, and singled out CNN, for reporting the news. Plus, Democratic socialist Zohran Mamadani is poised to win the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. The formal outcome won’t be known until at least July 1, when New York City releases the initial ranked-choice results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 27min
Trump Lashes Out Against Israel, Iran Amid Fragile Ceasefire
According to an early US intelligence assessment, the United States strikes on Iran did not destroy their nuclear sites. Instead, only setting back their program by months. The White House is strongly pushing back tonight. What does this all mean for the next steps in the region? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 28min
Missiles Fired From Iran Toward U.S. Base in Qatar Intercepted
President Trump has just weighed in on Truth Social regarding Iran’s attempted retaliation for the U.S. strike on its nuclear facilities this weekend. The Israeli military has issued a new evacuation warning for Tehran. Plus, oil prices have dropped and stocks have risen following Iran’s intercepted strike on a U.S. base. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 21, 2025 • 1h 27min
Massive Crowds Of Protesters Gathered In Tehran
Talks between European and Iranian officials just wrapped up and Iran says diplomacy could easily be achieved if President Trump tells Israel to stop striking Iran. Plus, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has been released after spending over three months at a detention center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
Israel: At Least 271 Hospitalized After Iranian Strikes
After days of keeping the world guessing whether the United States will take military action against Iran, President Trump now says he will decide within the next two weeks. This as the White House claims Iran has never been closer to having a nuclear weapon. CNN has teams on the ground at the White House, in Iran, and in Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 29min
Trump Says No Decision Yet On Potential Iran Strike
Moments ago President Trump wrapped up his meeting with his top security officials after telling CNN that he has not yet made a final decision on whether or not the US should strike Iran. A top Democrat and top Republican join live to discuss what that military response might look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 28min
Sources: Trump Considering U.S. Military Action In Iran
The President just wrapped up a meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room as he calls for Iran’s unconditional surrender. This as officials say Trump is warming to the idea of using United States assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 26min
U.S. Attorney: Minnesota Suspect Stalked Victims “Like Prey”
Authorities lay out for the first time just how Saturday’s attacks unfolded in the shootings of two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers. Plus, President Trump is meeting with key allies as the United States moves warships to the Middle East and Israel and Iran launch new strikes. Is there an end to the conflict in sight? The President weighs in on potential negotiations and US involvement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 14, 2025 • 1h 34min
Iran Retaliates Against Israel With Missile Barrage
Iran has begun retaliating for Israel’s unprecedented strikes on its military leadership and its nuclear weapons program. Iran is now saying Israel is facing a dark night ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices