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
Jul 12, 2025 • 1h 25min
Unanswered Questions Over What Officials Did During Critical Hours
The number two at the FBI is telling people that he might resign over the Epstein scandal. Plus, moments ago President Trump was on the ground in central Texas one week after the catastrophic flooding. CNN is digging into some of the still unanswered questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 24min
Flash Floods In New Mexico Town Kill At Least Three People
Federal judges on the district level can no longer issue nationwide injunctions for the Supreme Court but they can certify class action lawsuits against the Trump administration. Plus, MAGA world remains outraged over the Trump Justice Department’s efforts to seemly try to close the case on Jeffrey Epstein and those who were his clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 25min
At Least 119 Dead, Estimated 160 Missing In Catastrophic TX Flooding
A look at the desperate search into the Texas floods as CNN learns new information about officials coordinating the emergency response. Plus, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) joins to discuss not seeking reelection and voting against Trump’s recent domestic policy bill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 21min
Gov. Abbot Reports Number Of Missing Dramatically Rises To 161
The death toll in Texas is rising as well as the number of missing persons after deadly flooding. We bring you the latest from the ground in Texas as officials provide updates. Plus, Trump and Netanyahu meet to discuss a potential ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 24min
At Least 95 People Killed In Catastrophic Texas Floods
Texas is bracing for even more rain as rescuers are desperately searching for survivors after catastrophic flash floods in central Texas that began Friday morning and have killed at least 90 people including 27 children at a summer camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 29min
Hamas Submits “Positive Response” To Ceasefire In Major Step
Of the 50 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza, the proposal calls for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 deceased during the ceasefire. On the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas would release eight living hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Following the release, Israel would withdraw from parts of northern Gaza, and the two sides would begin negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 25min
House Passes Trump Megabill Despite Concerns Over Medicaid Cuts
After hours of debate and last minute deals, House Republicans pass their massive agenda bill. What did GOP leaders promise holdouts to get this across the finish line? Plus, a report on the intersection between artificial intelligence and reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 29min
Judge Denies Bail, Cites Combs’ Violence Towards Former Girlfriends
Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music mogul, will remain behind bars until his sentencing, a judge ruled today. This after a jury found Combs not guilty on the three most serious charges against him. The jury did convict Combs on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 31min
Jury Reaches Partial Verdict In Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial
A partial verdict is reached as jurors are in agreement in four of the five charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Both the defense and the prosecution tell the judge they want the jury to continue to deliberate on that charge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 28min
GOP’s Willis: Senate Bill Breaks Trump’s Promise On Medicaid
We are closely following Capitol Hill where Senate Republicans are trying to make various deals in order to get Trump’s domestic policy bill past the finish line. Plus, is there truly a deal to save TikTok in the United States? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
