The Lead with Jake Tapper
CNN
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 9, 2025 • 1h 40min
Trump: Will Meet With Russia’s Putin “Very Shortly”
President Trump at the White House moments ago said he will soon announce details of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. We bring you all the latest in this breaking news development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 18min
Major Companies’ Earnings Calls Reveal Impact Of Tariffs
President Trump has slapped higher tariffs on nearly every country in the world which means, according to experts, Americans will be paying the highest tax rate on foreign goods since 1933 in midst of the Great Depression. Plus, protests erupt over Israel today as Prime Minister Netanyahu says he is planning for a full military takeover of all of Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 24min
Army: Suspected Gunman’s Motive Is Still Unknown
Key new details about the suspect accused of shooting five soldiers at Fort Stewart earlier today. An Army sergeant is in custody after he allegedly used his personal handgun to shoot five fellow soldiers this morning at the Fort Stewart military base in Georgia, according to base officials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 18min
Trump Pushes Conspiracy Theory About A “Rigged” Job Report
President Trump is pressed on whether Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell is credible as CNN learns the White House is debating releasing a transcript of Maxwell’s recent meeting with the deputy attorney general. Plus, President Trump has been creating his own equations when it comes to jobs numbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 24min
TX Gov Orders Arrest Of Absent Democratic Lawmakers
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has just ordered the arrest of state Democrats who skipped town and didn’t show up for today’s special session. How long can those Democrats stay away and hold up the vote as Republicans try to gerrymander the map? Plus, new reports that Israel is considering a full takeover of Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 2, 2025 • 1h 24min
Tariffs, Fed Vote, Jobs & More: Major Week For U.S. Economy
President Trump announces a slew of new tariffs. Also, President Trump deploys two nuclear submarines after what he calls provocative statements by Russia’s former leader. Plus, a look at what CNN is learning about the transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a prison in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 18min
Trump’s Tariff Arguments Met With Skepticism From Appeals Court
President Trump is pushing ahead with a slew of new tariffs but will his biggest deals yet come down to the 11th hour? Plus, an attorney behind the case challenging if Trump’s tariffs are even legal joins to discuss. Also, an Israeli human rights organization that is saying Israel is committing genocide in Gaza joins to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 24min
Kamala Harris Will Not Run For California Governor
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi each join to discuss the Epstein files, Medicaid cuts, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and more. Plus, Canada plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 23min
Searching for Answers About the Manhattan Mass Murders
The investigation into the deadly New York City office building. With new details about the gunman's weapon, his suicide note, and how surviving employees hid from the killer.
An audacious demand from Ghislaine Maxwell, the woman serving 20 years in prison for grooming young teen girls for Jeffrey Epstein and friends.
Texas residents get a say in Republican efforts to redraw the maps. One Democratic congresswoman who could very well lose her seat if her GOP colleagues get their way, weighs in.
Plus, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump Disputes Netanyahu’s Claim Of No Starvation In Gaza
With images of emaciated, dying children and Palestinians fighting for food, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu falsely stated there is no starvation in Gaza. What will President Trump do, if anything, to pressure Israel to alleviate this manmade humanitarian crisis? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
