
The Lead with Jake Tapper
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 25min
Trump Says Tariffs On Canada & Mexico “Could Go Up”
Markets plunge one day after Trump would not say whether he thinks the United States is headed for a recession. Plus, Musk says his platform X, formerly Twitter, was hit by a cyber attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 25min
Trump On Tariffs: “There’ll Always Be Changes & Adjustments”
One day after easing most tariffs President Trump is now slapping northern neighbors with a new round. Plus, a reported explosive Trump cabinet meeting with a tense moment between Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 1h 25min
Republicans Warn About Uncertainty Around Trump’s Tariffs
First it was just auto imports, then it was tariffs on Mexico, now President Trump is saying all imports under the trade deal with Mexico and Canada are suspended. What made him flip? The markets react to every single twitch the President makes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 25min
Trump Delays Auto Tariffs On Mexico & Canada For One Month
After an urgent call with Canada’s prime minster and conversations with America’s big three carmakers, Trump is delaying auto tariffs only. But, what about everything else from gas to electronics? We examine how consumers could be hit hard. Plus, a look at how DOGE eliminating roles at NOAA could hurt lifesaving forecasts when the next storm rolls in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 25min
Tonight: Trump’s First Address To Congress Since Returning To Power
A look at what to expect at Trump’s first address to Congress in his second term, including what special guests are expected to attend as well as who is boycotting the speech. Plus, Trump’s long-threatened tariffs on Mexico and Canada took effect today and concerns of a global trade war grow as the DOW Index fell 670 points. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 25min
Trump: Zelensky Should “Be More Appreciative”
Ukraine’s president says the war with Russia is far from over which ignited a stinging response from President Trump. We examine what this back and fourth could mean for future United States support for Ukraine as well as the survival of Ukraine. Plus, a look at the attempt by DOGE to charge another federal agency millions of dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 25min
Zelensky Leaves WH Early After Oval Office Shouting Match
A hostile meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office devolved into a shouting match. Now, so many questions emerge about what comes next. Is this relationship irreparably broken and what does this mean for a potential ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 24min
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 25min
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 26min
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
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