

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

Aug 30, 2025 • 1h 24min
Inside The Upheaval At FEMA From Staffer Put On Leave
The nation’s largest pharmacy chains, Walgreens and CVS, are pulling back on who can get a Covid vaccine. A look at how these decisions are a direct result of the turmoil at the CDC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 25min
Police: 116 Rifle Rounds Recovered In Minneapolis School Shooting
A legal hearing has been set for tomorrow morning over whether Trump can actually fire a Federal Reserve governor for the reason he is citing. Plus, an 11-year-old girl speaks with CNN about surviving the mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 23min
Police: 2 Children Killed, 14 Children & 3 Adults Hurt In Shooting
The United States flag outside the White House has been lowered to half-staff as the nation mourns two children, ages 8 and 10, who were killed in a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. We bring you the latest details from officials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 24min
Lawyer: Fed Governor To Sue Over Trump’s Attempted Firing
President Trump is being threatened with a lawsuit as he keeps up his feud with the Federal Reserve by pushing to fire a Federal Reserve board governor, accusing her of mortgage fraud. Plus, blocked highways and burning tires in Israel as Israeli protestors call for a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 24min
House Oversight Committee To Interview Alex Acosta
National Guard troops on DC streets are now armed with rifles as Trump looks to expand his federal police takeover in more US cities. Now some mayors and governors are pushing back. Plus, the former federal prosecutor who arranged the sweetheart deal for Jeffrey Epstein is now scheduled for questioning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 23, 2025 • 1h 26min
DOJ Releases Audio, Transcript Of Maxwell Prison Interview
This afternoon, the Justice Department for the first time released information about Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s interview with Ghislaine Maxwell. In the interview she says she doesn’t think Epstein died by suicide. She also downplays President Trump’s involvement with Epstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 29min
Soon: Texas Senate Expected To Pass Trump-Backed Map Favoring GOP
President Trump joined the National Guard and law enforcement at the US Park Police headquarters in a show of support for federal law enforcement. Plus, Russia continues to pound Ukraine, killing even more civilians. Is the peace deal now going up in smoke? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 24min
Target CEO Stepping Down As Sales Continue To Plunge
A look at why the CEO of the giant retailer Target is stepping down. Plus, former President Obama is endorsing the pending plan by California Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional maps. Also, an update on Hurricane Erin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 24min
White House Says Putin Agreed To Meet Zelensky
Will Russia and Ukraine come to the table and end more than three years of conflict and will Trump be front and center for discussions? New details are emerging as the White House rules out United States boots on the ground to help secure Ukraine from Russian attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 22min
Trump: “We'll Be Involved” In Ensuring Security For Ukraine
A full day of diplomacy is still underway at the White House where President Trump tries to broker a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine. Last hour President Trump paused a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and European leaders to speak with with Vladimir Putin on the phone. This comes as President Trump appears to waffle at the idea of a ceasefire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices