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
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 24min
FCC Chair Credits Local TV Stations For Kimmel Suspension
Did we just get a new veiled threat from the FCC chairmen today? President Trump also weighed in, suggesting that network licenses could be pulled if they air what he views as mostly negative coverage of him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 35min
Fed Cuts Interest Rates To 4%, Citing “Weakening Job Market”
Rupert Murdoch joins President Trump for his final night in London at a state banquet. Murdoch is facing a $20 billion lawsuit from that same President Trump over an article about Trump and the Epstein scandal. Plus, the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for the first time in months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 33min
Prosecutor: Suspect’s Mom Says He Became More Left-Leaning
Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin appears in court for the first time as prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. A deluge of new information on the case was released today. Plus, FBI Director Kash Patel was pressed on a range of issues during an oversight hearing before the GOP-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 33min
FBI Director Reveals New Details About Alleged Kirk Shooter
The FBI director reveals new details about evidence in the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Plus, what the Kremlin is saying about the chances of Russia ending its war against Ukraine. Also, the new deal announced to save TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 13, 2025 • 1h 23min
Utah Officials Urge Political Restraint After Kirk Killing
A 22-year-old has been captured and charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk. How a dinner conversation, a Discord group chat, and a dad help zero in on his arrest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 27min
Manhunt Underway For Suspect In Charlie Kirk’s Killing
FBI Director Kash Patel is now headed to Utah to help investigate the assassination of Trump ally Charlie Kirk as the manhunt for the suspect intensifies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 51min
Trump: Charlie Kirk Is Dead
Trump ally, conservative activist, founder of Turing Point USA, Charlie Kirk, 31, has been shot and killed in an apparent assassination. We bring you the latest details of this breaking news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 24min
WH: Israeli Strike In Qatar Runs Counter To Trump’s Objectives
President Trump is trying to distance himself from an Israeli strike in Qatar, which Israel claims targeted Hamas leaders. Qatar has been a key mediator in the Gaza ceasefire talks so what does this mean for any hope for a ceasefire deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 24min
House Cmte. Gets “Birthday Book,” Other Docs From Epstein Estate
The infamous Epstein birthday book is now in the hands of Congress and the page allegedly from President Trump is now public. Plus, the United States Supreme Court is allowing roving immigration patrols to continue in Los Angeles as the Trump administration launches a new operation in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 6, 2025 • 1h 24min
America’s Weak Jobs Report Flashes Warning Signs About The Economy
The Wall Street Journal is reporting RFK Jr.’s plans to announce a link of Tylenol use during pregnancy to children with autism. Plus, the Trump administration's finger pointing begins after the latest jobs report painted a rather bleak picture of the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
