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
Apr 4, 2026 • 1h 31min
U.S. Searching for Crew Member After F-15 Downed in Iran
Iran’s military is now claiming that it has struck a second combat plane today. We bring you the latest details in the urgent search and rescue operation. Plus, CNN is learning from multiple sources that several Cabinet officials could be at risk of being fired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 3, 2026 • 1h 31min
President Trump Fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General
Sources tell CNN that President Trump had a tough conversation with now former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Plus, hear from the head of one state election office vowing to take legal action against Trump’s crackdown on mail-in voting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 1, 2026 • 1h 41min
AAA: CA Drivers Paying About $5.89 For Gas, Highest in U.S.
A brand new security alert for U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia warns that hotels, American businesses, and schools could quickly become targets. This as three key NATO allies cut off U.S. access to their bases for Iran operations. Also, the average gas price soars across the nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 31, 2026 • 1h 29min
Status Of Diplomatic Talks Uncertain Amid Trump’s Shifting Goals
In the fifth week of the war with Iran, the White House says its four to six week timeline on Iran has not changed. So, is Operation Epic Fury almost over? CNN’s experts discuss where the situation stands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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
