The Lead with Jake Tapper
CNN Podcasts
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 31min
Trump Goes Off On Dems Who Told Troops To Disobey Illegal Orders
How can the United States have a stronger than expected jobs report while the unemployment rate went up? Plus, the Justice Department opens up yet another mortgage fraud investigation, this one involving Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 31min
White House Yet To Say If Trump Has Received Epstein Bill
So, when will America finally see the highly-anticipated Epstein files? Who are the pedophile's clients? How much data will be redacted? Attorney General Pam Bondi is weighing in. Plus, updates in the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 33min
Thune: Epstein Bill Could Be Passed In Senate As Soon As Tonight
First the House and now the Senate is voting possibly as soon as tonight on the Epstein files and releasing them. This as lawmakers agree it is time see everything the Justice Department has on the dead pedophile and sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and any other accomplice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 30min
Trump: “I Probably Would” Talk To Venezuela’s Maduro
House Republicans have Trump’s blessing after he now says he wants them to release the Epstein files. But, why make America wait? Plus, is the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey tainted? A judge is raising questions about profound investigative missteps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 31min
Trump Orders Investigation Into Ties Between Top Dems & Epstein
A top prosecutor just put in charge of the Jeffrey Epstein case is now investigating Epstein's ties to key Democrats. Plus, prison employees have been fired after a whistleblower revealed Ghislaine Maxwell’s cushy conditions behind bars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 30min
Epstein Emails Renew Questions About What Trump Knew & When
New questions and new messages all emerging from the 20,000 newly-released documents related to the dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Donald Trump’s name keeps appearing. Who and what else is mentioned? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 32min
Soon: House To Vote On Ending Record-Long Government Shutdown
The House is now taking the final step before voting to end the longest government shutdown in history. Plus, thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein have been released. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 30min
Financial Times: Trump Donors Receiving Benefits From WH Moves
A CNN exclusive on how the United Kingdom is cutting off the United States when it comes to the deadly boat strikes. Plus, a key House committee is meeting tonight with the final vote to reopen the government now set for tomorrow afternoon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 30min
Soon: Senate Vote On Ending Government Shutdown
At any moment almost every Senate Republican and eight Senate Democrats are going to vote on funding the federal government. Plus, a wave of staffing problems as a result of the shutdown and airlines are ready to cancel even more flights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 8, 2025 • 1h 31min
More Than 4,000 Flights Delayed, 900+ Canceled Today
Right now millions of Americans are choosing health care plans and seeing their health care premiums skyrocket. Now, as the longest government shutdown in American history continues, many flights across the country are being cancelled or delayed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
