

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

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 24min
Israel: At Least 271 Hospitalized After Iranian Strikes
After days of keeping the world guessing whether the United States will take military action against Iran, President Trump now says he will decide within the next two weeks. This as the White House claims Iran has never been closer to having a nuclear weapon. CNN has teams on the ground at the White House, in Iran, and in Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 26min
Trump Says No Decision Yet On Potential Iran Strike
Moments ago President Trump wrapped up his meeting with his top security officials after telling CNN that he has not yet made a final decision on whether or not the US should strike Iran. A top Democrat and top Republican join live to discuss what that military response might look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 25min
Sources: Trump Considering U.S. Military Action In Iran
The President just wrapped up a meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room as he calls for Iran’s unconditional surrender. This as officials say Trump is warming to the idea of using United States assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 23min
U.S. Attorney: Minnesota Suspect Stalked Victims “Like Prey”
Authorities lay out for the first time just how Saturday’s attacks unfolded in the shootings of two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers. Plus, President Trump is meeting with key allies as the United States moves warships to the Middle East and Israel and Iran launch new strikes. Is there an end to the conflict in sight? The President weighs in on potential negotiations and US involvement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 14, 2025 • 1h 31min
Iran Retaliates Against Israel With Missile Barrage
Iran has begun retaliating for Israel’s unprecedented strikes on its military leadership and its nuclear weapons program. Iran is now saying Israel is facing a dark night ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 29min
Sen. Padilla Forcibly Removed From DHS News Conference
An Air India jetliner crashed today, killing at least 290 people on their way to London. Miraculously one passenger did survive. Plus, footage shows Democratic Senator Alex Padilla being forcibly removed from a news conference where Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was addressing recent ICE raids and protests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 30min
Officials Update Arrests, Charges After L.A. Protests
Los Angeles officials give an update about arrests and charges after a fifth day of protests. But, as these demonstrations spread across the country, what comes next? Also, are tensions finally thawing between President Trump and Elon Musk? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 27min
Trump's Immigration Crackdown And CA Protests
A judge has just denied California’s request for an immediate block of Trump’s use of National Guard troops on the streets of Los Angeles. This as we see a fifth day of demonstrations. We are learning just how much of the deployment of the National Guard is going to cost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 24min
Sources: 700 Marines Being Mobilized In Response To L.A. Protests
First the National Guard, now the United States Marines are on the way to Los Angeles as President Trump defends his deployment, saying local leaders were afraid to confront protesters. Plus, a brand new study on children and screen time. Why researchers say too much watching and scrolling could be a both a cause and a symptom of bad behavior. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 7, 2025 • 1h 23min
DOJ: Man Mistakenly Deported To El Salvador Has Been Returned To U.S. To Face Charges
The Trump administration has returned Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the United States from El Salvador where he was not legally allowed to be deported. Abrego Garcia is now facing criminal charges from the Trump administration, having been indicted on two criminal counts including conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices