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
Mar 28, 2026 • 1h 35min
TSA Workers Miss Second Full Paycheck As DHS Shutdown Drags On
Plans are set into motion to pay TSA workers in a matter of days after a record number of them called out in a single day. Plus, breaking details about Tiger Woods being arrested on suspicion of DUI after a serious car crash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 27, 2026 • 1h 29min
Trump Admin. Pushing for New Investigation Into Letitia James
President Trump says he is granting Iran a new extension, pausing the threatened strikes on Iranian power plants. Plus, what the President says about gas prices that keep going up. Also, a look at efforts to end the partial government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 26, 2026 • 1h 30min
Sources: Iran Laying Traps For Potential U.S. Attack On Kharg Island
Sources say Iran is planting mines on Kharg Island before US troops possibly land there. When does the ongoing US troop buildup constitute boots on the ground? Our experts are standing by. Plus, two juries find Meta liable in lawsuits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 30min
Talks To Fund DHS Ramp Up As Airport Lines Grow More Unpredictable
The NTSB reveals new details about the fire truck that crashed with an Air Canada flight coming in for landing. Our aviation experts join with their analysis. Plus, the puzzling gift President Trump claims he received from Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 24, 2026 • 1h 13min
Iran Denies Talks With U.S. As Trump Claims “Points Of Agreement”
New footage shows when an Air Canada plane collided with a firetruck on the runway leaving two pilots dead. Plus, ICE agents are now at 14 US airports as TSA workers call out or even quit. Also, President Trump claims the US has 15 points of agreement with Iran that could end the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 21, 2026 • 1h 31min
Sources: Pentagon Considering Ground Troops To Take Kharg Island
TSA workers are calling out of work at near record levels causing massively long airport lines and it’s about to get much worse. Plus, the Pentagon is weighing deploying ground troops to Iran’s Kharg Island. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 20, 2026 • 1h 30min
Global Oil Prices Surge To $110 After Strikes On Energy Facilities
US billionaire President Trump insists the economic pain because of the war is only temporary. An oil executive who was in key meetings today joins. Plus, top intelligence officials were back on Capitol Hill today, pressed about the biggest threats facing the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 19, 2026 • 1h 34min
Source: No Warning Sirens Ahead Of Strike That Killed 6 U.S. Troops
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin faced tough questions on Capitol Hill today during a confirmation hearing while trying to separate himself from Kristi Noem, the DHS chief just fired by President Trump. Plus, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard pressed on the underlying evidence, or lack thereof, behind the war with Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 30min
Top U.S. Counterterrorism Official Resigns Over Iran War
Trump’s National Counterterrorism Center director resigned from his post today after saying that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States. This and the latest in Trump’s war in Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 30min
Cuba’s Power System Suffers Total Collapse
After weeks of a United States oil blockade, Cuba’s electric grid suffered a total collapse. Also, as the war with Iran enters its third week, President Trump is criticizing US allies who say they do not want to be pulled into the conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
