
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 6, 2025 • 1h 27min
Trump & Musk Feud Escalates With Personal Attacks
Elon Musk and President Trump’s relationship disintegrates in public view of the world as the two go after each other viciously and the fallout is ongoing. Plus, the newly elected chancellor of Germany joins to discus tariffs, trade, and the latest in global affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 27min
Gaza Aid Operation Pauses After Days Of Deadly Shootings
Despite Elon Musk trashing his bill, President Trump is moving on and meeting with Senate Republicans. Can he keep them all together? Plus, what Trump says Putin told him about Ukraine’s two surprise attacks this week and Russia’s clear plans to respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 26min
People Shot And Killed At Gaza Aid Site For Third Straight Day
Elon Musk blasts Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” as a disgusting abomination. The White House is responding and the President himself is singling out a senator who is bucking his legislation. Also, one of the New Orleans inmates on the run records a video pleading his case, begging President Trump for help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 28min
Boulder Suspect Charged With 16 Counts Of Attempted Murder
The suspect in yesterday’s horrific terrorist attack just made his first court appearance. This as we learn more about the 12 people who were injured including a holocaust survivor. Plus, President Trump threatens to impose tariffs on two major American companies. We look at why the White House would go after American companies and how it may affect consumer prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 31, 2025 • 1h 27min
Trump Announces 50% Tariffs On Imported Steel
Elon Musk exits the White House on the same day as a damning report on his alleged drug use. Plus, President Trump is in Pennsylvania touting a deal that aims to keep steel jobs in the United States. Also, updates on the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 30, 2025 • 1h 27min
Appeals Court Pauses Ruling That Blocked Trump’s Tariffs
Trump’s trade war is back on for now after two prior courts briefly shut it down. The issue is on a fast track to the Supreme Court as the Trump White House attacks the judges who ruled against the President. Plus, a tone of defiance at Harvard University commencement ceremony today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 29, 2025 • 1h 26min
Trump Pardons Former Congressman Michael Grimm
Between pardons from prison to government jobs, President Trump extends a pattern of favor to folks who have long pledged their loyalty and today Trump says he is considering yet another favor. Plus, President Trump’s timeline to see if Vladimir Putin is serious about peace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 28, 2025 • 1h 25min
Two Of 10 New Orleans Escaped Inmates Still At Large
Dramatic new body camera video shows the dramatic capture of wanted inmates who escaped a New Orleans jail. The search is still on for two more from that prison break. Plus, a new manhunt in Arkansas for a former police chief turned felon. How a disguise helped him escape in broad daylight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 27, 2025 • 1h 30min
Zelensky: “America’s Silence” Encourages Putin To Continue War
Chaos erupted in Liverpool as a car crashed into a crowd during a football victory parade, prompting an urgent police response. The podcast also examines rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia, especially concerning Ukraine, with Trump’s unexpected criticisms of Putin. Amid these events, the importance of legislative action and community resilience is underscored. Additionally, the rise in measles cases highlights the critical need for vaccinations, while personal stories honor those who have sacrificed for their country.

May 24, 2025 • 1h 26min
Sources: Multiple National Security Council Staffers Put On Administrative Leave
President Trump threatens huge new tariffs on Europe, claiming that negotiations with European Union countries are going nowhere. Plus, this weekend is the official kickoff to the summer travel season and experts are warning it could be chaotic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices