
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 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

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 27min
Macron: Any Peace Deal Must Be “Assessed, Checked, And Verified”
A look at the 500 billion dollar investment by Apple in a major expansion project for the tech company. Plus, a controversial hire by President Trump by putting Dan Bongino in place as the deputy director of the FBI. We examine what the former secret service agent turned MAGA podcaster will be in charge of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 22, 2025 • 1h 24min
Disabled Veteran Shares Emotional Story On Being Fired
On recess some Republicans got an earful from their constituents as Americans voice their concerns about a DOGE gone wild. Plus, a look at what went down in the courtroom with Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing a UnitedHealthcare CEO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 23min
VP Vance On Inflation: It’ll Take Time
One of Trump’s most controversial picks, Kash Patel, has been confirmed by the Senate to head the FBI. Plus, an up close look at Iranian drones. Also, Trump is maintaining his inaccurate claim that Ukraine started the war with Russia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 25min
Trump Increases WH Control Of Independent Agencies
President Trump slaps Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with the title of “dictator” without applying the same label to Vladimir Putin. Plus, after some federal workers have been fired only to be rehired, what is going on with federal workers and who is overseeing the chaotic termination process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 23min
Trump’s Rush To Strike Deal Leaves Ukraine, Europe Scrambling
The United States and Russia just advanced their talks in how to end Russia’s war in Ukraine but they left out the leaders of Ukraine. Plus, who is really running DOGE? We examine what the Trump administration wrote in court filings about Elon Musk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 26min
Delta Plane Flips Upside Down At Toronto Airport
At least 18 people were injured after a plane crash at Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Delta Air Lines flight with 80 people on board from Minneapolis ended upside down on the runway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices