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
Sep 6, 2025 • 1h 24min
America’s Weak Jobs Report Flashes Warning Signs About The Economy
The Wall Street Journal is reporting RFK Jr.’s plans to announce a link of Tylenol use during pregnancy to children with autism. Plus, the Trump administration's finger pointing begins after the latest jobs report painted a rather bleak picture of the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 24min
Kennedy Struggles To Account For His Promise On Vaccine Access
From shouting matches to RFK Jr. lying to senators, a look at key moments from today’s Capitol Hill hearing. Plus, a look at The Smithsonian exhibits that the White House has says they have issues with. Also, sources tell CNN Trump’s DOJ is weighing banning transgender Americans from owning guns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump Accuses Xi, Putin, Kim Of Conspiring Against U.S.
Jeffrey Epstein trafficking and rape survivors have strong messages as they appear on Capitol Hill detailing what the pedophile did to ruin their lives for a time and why the Justice Department needs to reveal much more. Plus, what Trump is saying about a show of force from other world leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 3, 2025 • 1h 22min
Congress Returns To Renewed Fight Over Epstein Files
The Epstein files are back front and center as House Republicans invite survivors of the dead pedophile to Capitol Hill. Plus, when weather is at the extreme, how big cities are trying to make big changes to keep with the growing force of nature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 23min
Sources: Immigration Operation In Chicago Could Start This Week
Officials in Chicago are warning Trump against a major immigration enforcement operation which sources say is set as soon as this week. Plus, is Congress about to get its hands on more Epstein records? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 30, 2025 • 1h 24min
Inside The Upheaval At FEMA From Staffer Put On Leave
The nation’s largest pharmacy chains, Walgreens and CVS, are pulling back on who can get a Covid vaccine. A look at how these decisions are a direct result of the turmoil at the CDC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 25min
Police: 116 Rifle Rounds Recovered In Minneapolis School Shooting
A legal hearing has been set for tomorrow morning over whether Trump can actually fire a Federal Reserve governor for the reason he is citing. Plus, an 11-year-old girl speaks with CNN about surviving the mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 23min
Police: 2 Children Killed, 14 Children & 3 Adults Hurt In Shooting
The United States flag outside the White House has been lowered to half-staff as the nation mourns two children, ages 8 and 10, who were killed in a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. We bring you the latest details from officials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 24min
Lawyer: Fed Governor To Sue Over Trump’s Attempted Firing
President Trump is being threatened with a lawsuit as he keeps up his feud with the Federal Reserve by pushing to fire a Federal Reserve board governor, accusing her of mortgage fraud. Plus, blocked highways and burning tires in Israel as Israeli protestors call for a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 24min
House Oversight Committee To Interview Alex Acosta
National Guard troops on DC streets are now armed with rifles as Trump looks to expand his federal police takeover in more US cities. Now some mayors and governors are pushing back. Plus, the former federal prosecutor who arranged the sweetheart deal for Jeffrey Epstein is now scheduled for questioning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
