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 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The freeze on federal grants and loans has been rescinded after the Monday night memo confused so many Americans including congressional Republicans.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
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 33min
Trump’s Freeze On Federal Aid Money Takes Effect at 5PM ET
Nonprofits are lining up to sue the Trump administration after they pause federal funds and grants. The White House says Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security won’t be touched. But, what about everything else? Trump aide Stephen Miller joins to discuss the start of this new Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 29min
Trump Fires Justice Department Officials Who Investigated Him
The Trump administration kicks off week number two with two major overhauls. One, who gets to serve in the United States military. Two, who is in the United States illegally with new rules and raids happening nationwide. Plus, tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza return to their homes. But, what are they coming home to? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 25, 2025 • 1h 26min
Trump Wants To Put Conditions On Disaster Aid For California
From the battered towns in North Carolina to the burned out neighborhoods in California, President Trump is touring damage on both coasts today but he is also suggesting that he might end the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 24min
Judge Blocks Trump’s Order Ending Birthright Citizenship
Months after losing their homes and belongings to Hurricane Helene, families are telling CNN they are still living in limbo unsure of how long the government will help them with hotels as they try to get back on their feet. Plus, new Republican senators come out against President Trump’s pick for secretary of defense Pete Hegseth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 27min
Speaker Johnson Announces New Jan. 6 Committee
Just days after getting pardoned by Donald Trump, some January 6th defendants can soon return to the scene of the crime after being invited by a group of House Republicans. Plus, Prince Harry’s lawsuit is settled with a British tabloid and a look at the alleged illegal tactics of phone hacking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 27min
Jan. 6 Rioters Released From Jail After Sweeping Trump Pardons
Criticism rises for President Trump’s sweeping pardons for January 6th criminals including those who violently attacked law enforcement officers. Some Republicans are calling the pardons outright wrong but others are focusing their blame on Joe Biden for his pardons including of his family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 18, 2025 • 1h 26min
Trump’s Inauguration Moving Indoors Due To Brutal Cold
A major change of plans for the second inauguration of Donald Trump as plans for an outdoor swearing in have been scraped due to frigid cold temperatures. Plus, the United States Supreme Court is allowing the controversial TikTok ban to remain in place. So, how will it be enforced? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
