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 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
Mar 14, 2026 • 1h 40min
Judge Blocks Subpoenas In Jerome Powell Investigation
A federal judge just blocked subpoenas in the DOJ’s investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Plus, Iran ramps up strikes against ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 13, 2026 • 1h 44min
Iran’s New Supreme Leader Issues First Purported Message
Iran warns the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as a tool of pressure against the West amidst the ongoing war. Plus, two attacks on American soil today. One at Old Dominion University that the FBI now says is being investigated as act of terrorism inspired by ISIS. Another attack at a Detroit area synagogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 12, 2026 • 1h 30min
Israel Says It Has Begun “Large-Scale” Strikes In Beirut Suburbs
Projectiles hit four commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway where global oil traffic has been brought to a standstill by Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 11, 2026 • 1h 29min
Pentagon: About 140 U.S. Service Members Wounded In Iran War
The United States has hit ten inactive mine laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz according to President Trump. This as Iran’s chokehold of the straight is becoming more dire by the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 10, 2026 • 1h 40min
Trump Speaks As U.S. Launches New Strikes On Iran
President Trump holds a news conference as the war on Iran enters its second week with no clear end in sight. Plus, it seems increasingly probable the United States killed at least 192 students and teachers at an Iranian school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 7, 2026 • 1h 30min
New Imagery Suggests U.S. Responsible For Iran School Strike
The United States and Israeli war against Iran has already seen the deaths of at least 1,200 Iranians which includes dozens of grade school girls, 6 U.S. service members, and 10 Israeli citizens. Plus, the DOJ releases FBI interviews related to Trump sex abuse allegations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
