
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

May 9, 2025 • 1h 27min
Pope Leo XIV, The First American Pope, Was Born In Chicago
The Chicago born, Villanova graduate, Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes the first American to become pope after receiving more than two-thirds support of his 132 fellow cardinals. He is now going to be the 267th pope. We examine all the latest details on Pope Leo XIV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 8, 2025 • 1h 25min
Fed Chair: “Possible To Imagine” Tariffs Worsen Economy
Black smoke up the chimney of the Sistine Chapel as day one of the conclave comes to a close. Surprising details emerge about the frontrunners who could be selected to be the next pope. Plus, the major testing operation happening now in Milwaukee that is screening school-aged kids for possible exposure to lead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 7, 2025 • 1h 26min
India Launches Military Operation Inside Pakistan
India says it is launching a military operation inside Pakistan, hitting what India calls terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and the Pakistani region of Kashmir. This comes after a deadly terrorist attack last month on the Indian administered part of Kashmir. We bring you all the latest news from the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 6, 2025 • 1h 26min
WH Says It Will Pay Undocumented Migrants To Leave U.S.
In a new chapter of Trump’s deportation crackdown, the White House now suggests that they will pay undocumented migrants a thousand or two thousand dollars to deport themselves. Plus, President Trump wants to reopen Alcatraz, one of America’s most notorious prisons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 3, 2025 • 1h 25min
Stocks Rally After Jobs Report, Signs Of China Trade Talks
A better than expected jobs report provides perhaps some economic relief. How long can the good news last? Economists are warning that higher prices are coming quick. Plus, CNN is in Mexico as troops hunt down drug cartels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 2, 2025 • 1h 26min
Waltz Out As National Security Adviser
President Trump ousts his national security adviser after not one but two different Signal scandals. Plus, the financial report from McDonalds that might make you feel sick after an earnings call reveals how much trouble the United States economy might be in. Are we headed for a recession? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 1, 2025 • 1h 26min
CNN Poll Shows Dismal Approval Rating For Congress
As new numbers show the United States economy shrink for the first time in three years, the President now says he is not to be blame at all. Plus, a major Senate vote on Trump’s global tariffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 31min
Trump Speaks In Michigan To Mark 100 Days In Office
When the trade wars hit home, President Trump calls the founder and executive chair of Amazon peeved that the company would consider displaying the cost of tariffs on Amazon’s spinoff cheaper goods, Amazon Haul, website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 25min
ICE: Operation Leads To Nearly 800 Arrests In Florida
Crackdowns on illegal immigration and Trump is digging in. We examine how his White House is defending deportations so far. Plus, a new CNN poll shows that most Americans believe that Trump is making the economy worse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 26, 2025 • 1h 26min
FBI Arrests Wisconsin Judge, Accuses Her Of Obstructing ICE
When immigration officials tried to arrest an undocumented immigrant in her courtroom, Judge Hannah Dugan allegedly tried to help him leave the building marking an escalation in the battle between the Trump administration and the judiciary. Plus, President Trump and Melania Trump land in Rome ahead of the funeral for Pope Francis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.