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
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 24min
Comey’s Defense Team Moves To Dismiss Case In New Court Filings
From airlines to banks, Facebook and Starbucks, to baseball tickets, companies across the country and around the world are trying to get back to normal after serious issues took their websites and services offline. Plus, James Comey’s legal team launches several different efforts to get the charges against him thrown out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 18, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump Signals Interest In Trade Of Ukrainian Drones For U.S. Tomahawk Missiless
Tension points at the White House with the Ukrainian president proposing a major trade while President Trump hits a striking tone on Venezuela. Plus, Prince Andrew drops his royal title and trappings in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal as the United States Congress adds a new chapter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 33min
Ex-Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton Indicted
Moments ago, a federal grand jury in the state of Maryland indicted ambassador John Bolton. He was formerly Trump’s national security adviser. Plus, there are 19 days until Election Day 2025 and tonight is the first of two debates for New York City mayor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump, FBI Director Tout “Sweeping” Crime Crackdown
A judge blocks President Trump’s planned layoffs of federal workers during the shutdown. Plus, at the White House, President Trump touted his administration’s efforts to reduce violent crime. We examine if the statistics he is citing check out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 8min
News Outlets Broadly Reject Hegseth’s Pentagon Media Rules
Media organizations, including CNN and Fox News, refuse to sign the Pentagon’s press access rule. Hear the latest on what the ultimatum was, which organizations refused to sign, and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 24min
Ceasefire Deal Marks Historic Day
After two years and six days of being in captivity and held by Hamas, the remaining living Israeli hostages cross the border. We bring you stories of Palestinian and Israeli families each reunited as President Trump hails a dawn of a new Middle East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 11, 2025 • 1h 33min
Remaining 47 Hostages To Be Released Within 72 Hours
The Trump administration is making good on its threat and are beginning the process of mass firings at multiple federal agencies. Plus, 19 people are missing in Tennessee after a power blast at a military explosives plant. Also, updates in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 29min
Sources: DOJ Indicts Trump Adversary NY AG Letitia James
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted this afternoon as President Trump’s Justice Department continues to pursue charges against Mr. Trump’s political adversaries. Plus, Israel’s cabinet is meeting right now before they take a final vote on the ceasefire proposal from President Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 28min
Tensions Build On Capitol Hill As Shutdown Drags Into Day 8
The possibility of delayed paychecks gets more real after day eight of the federal government shutdown. Could some furloughed federal workers not get paid at all? Plus, Trump says Israel and Hamas have signed off on a “first phase” of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 24min
Republicans, Bondi Say Biden DOJ Used “’Double Standard”
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced down some of her toughest critics on Capitol Hill but will this hearing and approach accomplish anything? Plus, will furloughed federal workers get backpay when the federal government reopens? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
