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
May 23, 2025 • 1h 23min
Suspect In Shooting Of Israeli Embassy Staffers Charged With Murder
Investigators are revealing new details about the man accused of killing two Israeli embassy staffers in what the FBI is calling an act of antisemitic terrorism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 22, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump Makes Unsubstantiated Claims Of South Africa “Genocide”
Is Trump’s massive policy bill in peril? Republican holdouts were summoned to the White House this afternoon as party leaders push for a vote. We are learning new details about the closed door meetings. Plus, a tense confrontation occurred at the White House today between President Trump and the president of South Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump Tries To Strong-arm GOP Into Moving Massive Bill Forward
The clock is ticking for Republicans with just hours until a key meeting and vote on a bill that contains tax and spending cuts. Some GOP hardliners are saying they are standing firm against the plan. Plus, an American veteran has been released by Venezuela where he was wrongfully detailed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 20, 2025 • 1h 23min
Biden Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer That Has Spread To His Bones
President Trump works the phones and gets what could be a breakthrough in Russia’s war against Ukraine. According to Trump the two sides are ready to negotiate. Plus, brand new details on the Mexican training ship that hit the Brooklyn Bridge killing two people on the vessel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 17, 2025 • 1h 28min
Cassie Ventura Wraps Up Four Days Of Dramatic Testimony
An explosive day in the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial as the star witness, his ex-girlfriend, burst into tears. We look at the final testimony of Cassie Ventura as the case enters a new phase. Plus, an air traffic controller who says two planes almost crashed on his watch earlier this month speaks out on the intense stress of the job and the airport he calls unsafe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 16, 2025 • 1h 24min
Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Birthright Citizenship
The Trump administration did as they said and got the issue of birthright citizenship before the Supreme Court but could the ultimate decision be based on a technicality? Plus, instead of rolling back prices, America’s biggest retailer, Walmart, just announced they are raising them and they are blaming Trump’s tariffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 15, 2025 • 1h 24min
Court Wraps After Damning Day Of Testimony
20 years ago Syria’s now leader was known as a jihadist captured by United States forces but today he’s all smiles with the world’s most powerful man. This isn’t the only moment on Trump’s Middle East trip where he is flipping foreign relations expectations upside down. Plus, updates in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump Makes High-Stakes Middle East Visit
A look at the serious concerns and efforts to cover up Biden’s cognitive health during his presidency. Plus, President Trump announces a jaw dropping plan to lift sanctions on Syria. Also, the star witness in the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial testifies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 13, 2025 • 1h 22min
U.S. And China Agree To Drastically Cut Tariffs For 90 Days
President Trump is en route to Saudi Arabia for both peace and tariff negotiations. He is warning that if there is no long term deal with China worked out tariffs could go significantly higher. Plus, a look at the defense’s strategy as testimony in the Diddy trial begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 10, 2025 • 1h 22min
Some Businesses Are Already Passing On Tariff Costs To Consumers
Pope Leo XIV wraps up his first day on the job with a message not just to other Catholic leaders but to people around the world. Plus, a judge ordered the immediate release of a doctoral student whose detention by immigration authorities was caught on camera. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
