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
10 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 21min
Trump: Discussions With British PM “Tremendously Productive”
Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife are found dead in their home and police say circumstances are suspicious enough in nature to require an investigation. Plus, President Trump holds court with the prime minister of Britain to largely discuss the future of the conflict in Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
11 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 22min
New Trump Admin Memo Lays Out Mass Firing Plans
The very first Cabinet meeting of Trump’s second term shows a noteworthy performance of Elon Musk. We examine what Elon Musk revealed about Trump telling him to be more aggressive. Plus, a death from the measles outbreak in Texas is recorded. It is the first death in the United States from measles in a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
9 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 23min
WH Claims Unity On Musk’s Email Demand Despite Mixed Messages
Technology experts quit en mass from DOGE. Skilled workers who say they refuse to legitimize DOGE’s budget slashing actions and attempts to gain access to Americans’ personal data. Plus, another close call at an airport calls into question what is happening with air travel recently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 24min
Macron: Any Peace Deal Must Be “Assessed, Checked, And Verified”
A look at the 500 billion dollar investment by Apple in a major expansion project for the tech company. Plus, a controversial hire by President Trump by putting Dan Bongino in place as the deputy director of the FBI. We examine what the former secret service agent turned MAGA podcaster will be in charge of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 22, 2025 • 1h 22min
Disabled Veteran Shares Emotional Story On Being Fired
On recess some Republicans got an earful from their constituents as Americans voice their concerns about a DOGE gone wild. Plus, a look at what went down in the courtroom with Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing a UnitedHealthcare CEO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 22min
VP Vance On Inflation: It’ll Take Time
One of Trump’s most controversial picks, Kash Patel, has been confirmed by the Senate to head the FBI. Plus, an up close look at Iranian drones. Also, Trump is maintaining his inaccurate claim that Ukraine started the war with Russia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 22min
Trump Increases WH Control Of Independent Agencies
President Trump slaps Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with the title of “dictator” without applying the same label to Vladimir Putin. Plus, after some federal workers have been fired only to be rehired, what is going on with federal workers and who is overseeing the chaotic termination process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 20min
Trump’s Rush To Strike Deal Leaves Ukraine, Europe Scrambling
The United States and Russia just advanced their talks in how to end Russia’s war in Ukraine but they left out the leaders of Ukraine. Plus, who is really running DOGE? We examine what the Trump administration wrote in court filings about Elon Musk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 23min
Delta Plane Flips Upside Down At Toronto Airport
At least 18 people were injured after a plane crash at Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Delta Air Lines flight with 80 people on board from Minneapolis ended upside down on the runway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 15, 2025 • 1h 22min
Ukraine: Russian Drone Strikes Chernobyl Nuclear Plant
Vice President JD Vance delivers a speech few saw coming. He almost berated long time United States allies, accusing them of suppressing free speech and losing control of immigration. Plus, a seventh prosecutor on the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams quits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
