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
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 24min
Jamaican Officials: Four Bodies Recovered In St. Elizabeth Parish
Dozens are killed and the devastation is significant after Hurricane Melissa pummeled multiple Caribbean islands. CNN reporters are standing by throughout the region with the latest details on the damage. Plus, what CNN is learning about covert CIA efforts targeting Venezuela’s Maduro regime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 28min
Jamaica’s PM: Hurricane Melissa Will Bring “Catastrophic Damage”
Hurricane Melissa, history’s second strongest hurricane in the Atlantic, is unleashing on the island of Jamaica. We bring you the latest on this historic storm. Plus, Israel Defense Forces are again pounding Gaza with air strikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 23min
Jamaica Braces For Worst Hurricane Ever To Hit Island
Hurricane Melissa is the now the strongest storm on planet earth this year. The storm is bearing down on Jamaica tonight as a deadly Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 175 miles per hour. Plus, millions of low income Americans who rely upon food stamps are at risk of losing them in just days due to the government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 25, 2025 • 1h 25min
Top Russian Envoy In U.S. For Talks After Trump Imposes Sanctions
As tensions rise with Venezuela, the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group is leaving Europe to head closer to South America. This as a key ally to Vladimir Putin arrives in the U.S. for meetings with the White House. This Putin ally joins live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 24min
Shutdown Will Extend To Next Week As Senate Leaves D.C.
The Pentagon expands where it’s targeting suspected drug boats with yet another hit in the eastern Pacific. Now, one county’s leader says he is moving missiles amid growing tensions with the United States. Plus, a massive sports gambling scandal rocks the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 36min
Federal Workers Line Up For Food Bank As Shutdown Hits Week 3
New images show portions of the White House are now rubble even though President Trump previously said that the structure would not change with the addition of the ballroom. Plus, Russia launches a large scale attack against Ukraine and NATO’s secretary general is huddling with Trump working to drive an end to the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 32min
NYT: Trump Demands $230M Settlement From DOJ For Past Cases
In her posthumously published memoir that hit shelves this morning, Virginia Giuffre exposes details of the horrors she endured at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein, his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and their powerful friends. Plus, President Trump is demanding $230 million from his own Justice Department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 24min
Comey’s Defense Team Moves To Dismiss Case In New Court Filings
From airlines to banks, Facebook and Starbucks, to baseball tickets, companies across the country and around the world are trying to get back to normal after serious issues took their websites and services offline. Plus, James Comey’s legal team launches several different efforts to get the charges against him thrown out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 18, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump Signals Interest In Trade Of Ukrainian Drones For U.S. Tomahawk Missiless
Tension points at the White House with the Ukrainian president proposing a major trade while President Trump hits a striking tone on Venezuela. Plus, Prince Andrew drops his royal title and trappings in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal as the United States Congress adds a new chapter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 33min
Ex-Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton Indicted
Moments ago, a federal grand jury in the state of Maryland indicted ambassador John Bolton. He was formerly Trump’s national security adviser. Plus, there are 19 days until Election Day 2025 and tonight is the first of two debates for New York City mayor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
