
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

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 40min
Fed Chair Takes Swipe At DOGE In Hearing Testimony
How far can the Trump administration go as the president engages in operation disruption? Plus, the battle between billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman, the head of the company OpenAI. Also, a look at this year’s flu season, the most severe in at least 15 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 25min
Judge Extends Deadline For Federal Workers To Accept “Buyout” Offer
From layoffs to budget cuts, over and over judges are shutting Trump’s plan to overhaul the federal government. But, did his administration just hint at how it will push back? Plus, large protests in Israel after an announcement from Hamas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 8, 2025 • 1h 26min
Lawsuit Seeks To Halt Trump’s Dismantling Of USAID
The sign outside USAID headquarters was taken down, scraped off one letter at a time. This as the Trump administration orders supervisors across the federal government to decide which employees to retain and which ones to release. Employees and managers are taking Trump to court claiming it is not legal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 20min
Judge Pauses Trump’s Federal Worker “Buyout” Offer
Are eggs safe to eat in the United Sates? When will egg prices finally stop climbing? And how worried do we need to be about bird flu? Plus, one of the richest men in the world visits the White House today. But, what was on the agenda? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 26min
Trump Does Not Rule Out U.S. Troops In Gaza Takeover Plan
An onslaught of questions emerges for President Trump who suggested a takeover of Gaza. He called for U.S. troops to possibly move in and millions of Palestinians to move out. We look at what the White House is saying about the president’s plans. Plus, USAID employees around the world will be placed on leave in a matter of days, ordered to return to the United States if they are abroad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 5, 2025 • 44min
Trump And Netanyahu Meet At White House
President Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst a critical time in the war as the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal is yet to be negotiated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 26min
Moments Ago: Trump & Trudeau Spoke About Tariffs
President Trump just spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just minutes ago. With sweeping 25% United States tariffs on most Canadian products set to take effect at midnight, Trump has already agreed to delay tariffs on Mexico after a call with Mexico’s president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 42min
Investigations Underway Into Cause Of Deadly Crash
New reporting today on the flight paths before the deadly collision that killed 67 people. How much does new surveillance video explain? And what went so tragically wrong? Plus, President Trump’s new tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China are coming tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 22min
Without Evidence, Trump Blames DEI For Deadly Collision
Search and rescue has turned into search and recovery in the Potomac River after a collision between an American Airlines jet and a United States Army Black Hawk helicopter which left no expected survivors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 26min
RFK Jr. Says He’s Not Anti-Vaccine, Despite Past Statements
The freeze on federal grants and loans has been rescinded after the Monday night memo confused so many Americans including congressional Republicans. Plus, a heated hearing on Capitol Hill as RFK Jr. faced tough questions from lawmakers during his Senate confirmation hearing today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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