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 27, 2025 • 1h 24min
Comey Faces Charges Of False Statements & Obstruction
Brand new details on the actual evidence that led the Justice Department to seek an indictment against former FBI director James Comey. We also look at the pressure being put on the Biden-appointed judge overseeing this case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 29min
Oversight Committee Obtains Epstein Flight Logs, Messages & More
It turns out former FBI Director James Comey may not be the only Trump opponent who may face charges this week. Plus, brand new Epstein documents have been handed over to Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 24min
Sources: Trump Admin Close To Deciding On Charging James Comey
Former FBI director James Comey, a Trump political foe, will possibly face an indictment under Trump’s Department of Justice. We examine how soon those charges could come and what they may be. Plus, new details on the deadly shooting today at a Dallas immigration facility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 25min
Trump Shifts On Peace Deal, Urges Ukraine To “Fight And Win”
President Trump just flipped the script on Russia’s war in Ukraine now saying Ukraine can win. Plus, a look at the response after President Trump ripped into world leaders at the United Nations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 22min
Experts Push Back At Trump Admin Over Autism & Tylenol Link
Stunning new language from the White House that links children and autism to Tylenol when used by pregnant women. Plus, President Trump’s message to his attorney general suggesting that she take action against his political opponents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 20, 2025 • 1h 14min
Trump Attacks Free Speech As CEOs Try To Cash In
Trump indicated he is interested in ridding from the airwaves criticism, mockery, speech and speakers he doesn’t care for. He is no longer only targeting comedians he doesn’t like, now he is targeting network newscasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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
