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
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 32min
Soon: House To Vote On Ending Record-Long Government Shutdown
The House is now taking the final step before voting to end the longest government shutdown in history. Plus, thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein have been released. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 30min
Financial Times: Trump Donors Receiving Benefits From WH Moves
A CNN exclusive on how the United Kingdom is cutting off the United States when it comes to the deadly boat strikes. Plus, a key House committee is meeting tonight with the final vote to reopen the government now set for tomorrow afternoon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 30min
Soon: Senate Vote On Ending Government Shutdown
At any moment almost every Senate Republican and eight Senate Democrats are going to vote on funding the federal government. Plus, a wave of staffing problems as a result of the shutdown and airlines are ready to cancel even more flights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 8, 2025 • 1h 31min
More Than 4,000 Flights Delayed, 900+ Canceled Today
Right now millions of Americans are choosing health care plans and seeing their health care premiums skyrocket. Now, as the longest government shutdown in American history continues, many flights across the country are being cancelled or delayed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 31min
Nation’s Busiest Airports Brace For Imminent Cuts
Delta, United, Southwest Airlines all announce they are preemptively cancelling flights ahead of the Trump’s administration’s plan to reduce air traffic starting tomorrow because of the government shutdown. Plus, Nancy Pelosi announces plans to retire from Congress after nearly 40 years in the House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 31min
Trump’s Tariffs Face Tough Questions From Supreme Court
The Supreme Court justices are sounding skeptical about the president’s power to impose tariffs as the plaintiffs argue the president has gone too far. Plus, historic wins after Election Day 2025 including Zohran Mamdani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 24min
First Exit Poll Results In Races Test Trump’s Pull
Voters are racing to try to get their ballots in these final hours amid long lines in New York City and across the country. We bring you all the latest on Election Day in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 29min
Dems Watch VA, NYC Races For Cues About Party’s Future
We are just hours from Election Day and we break down key races in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, California, and more. Plus, a look at why premiums for health care are going up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 1, 2025 • 1h 23min
FBI Says It Thwarted Potential Terror Attack In Michigan
New details about what the FBI says could have been an ISIS inspired terrorist attack. Plus, two federal judges weigh in on SNAP benefits set to expire tomorrow because of the government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 24min
DOJ Scrubs Mention Of Trump & January 6 From Sentencing Memo
Two assistant United States attorneys are suspended after mentioning facts about President Trump and the January 6th attack in court documents. A federal judge just weighed in. Plus, Britain’s King Charles strips his brother Andrew of his title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
