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 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
Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 23min
WH: Quick Hostage Release Will Create Momentum On Rest Of Deal
Lawsuits are flying left and right as the President tries to send in the National Guard into two major United States cities. How far will this legal showdown go? Plus, Trump’s answer to what would happen if Hamas insists on staying in power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 4, 2025 • 1h 25min
Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentenced To 50 Months In Prison
There is no clear end in sight for the federal government shutdown now in day three. We examine what this means for the United States economy. Plus, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is sentenced to prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 23min
Trump Admin Vows To Fire Federal Workers, Cut Blue-State Funding
Shutdown day two and neither side is budging. Democrats are signaling they will block a vote to reopen the government as federal workers wait to learn just how long this may go on. Plus, a look at how Trump’s tariffs are effecting Halloween prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 23min
White House: Federal Worker Layoffs Due To Shutdown “Imminent”
We are nearly one full day into the partial federal government shutdown and the political blame game is in full force. A vast majority of Democrats are insisting they will never vote for a clean funding bill that the Republicans have put up unless Republicans agree to tack on subsidies that would help Americans afford Obamacare coverage as well as reverse cuts to Medicaid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 23min
Trump: “A Lot Of Good” Can Come From A Shutdown
In hours the United States government will begin to shut down barring some sort of unexpected event. While no two shutdowns are the same, the Trump administration made clear that this shut down will be played using a totally different playbook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 23min
Sources: Qatari, Egyptian Officials Shared WH Plan With Hamas
A source now tells CNN that a new peace plan is now in the hands of Hamas in Gaza. Plus, new details on Trump’s meeting with Capitol Hill leaders as the government now has just about 30 hours left to avoid a partial shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 27, 2025 • 1h 24min
Comey Faces Charges Of False Statements & Obstruction
Brand new details on the actual evidence that led the Justice Department to seek an indictment against former FBI director James Comey. We also look at the pressure being put on the Biden-appointed judge overseeing this case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 29min
Oversight Committee Obtains Epstein Flight Logs, Messages & More
It turns out former FBI Director James Comey may not be the only Trump opponent who may face charges this week. Plus, brand new Epstein documents have been handed over to Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 24min
Sources: Trump Admin Close To Deciding On Charging James Comey
Former FBI director James Comey, a Trump political foe, will possibly face an indictment under Trump’s Department of Justice. We examine how soon those charges could come and what they may be. Plus, new details on the deadly shooting today at a Dallas immigration facility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
