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 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
May 9, 2025 • 1h 24min
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 22min
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 23min
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 23min
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
