

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

Feb 25, 2026 • 1h 28min
Poll: Most Americans Say Trump Focused On Wrong Priorities
President Trump heads to the Capitol for his State of the Union address where he is expected to speak on his plans for the economy and for Iran. Plus, an emotional plea in the search for Nancy Guthrie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 24, 2026 • 1h 29min
Former British Ambassador To U.S. Arrested Amid Epstein Probe
Tens of millions of Americans are under storm warnings with some towns getting more than 30 inches of snow. Plus, United States citizens are urged to shelter in place in Mexico after the killing of a cartel kingpin led to widespread violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 21, 2026 • 1h 5min
WH To Take Homan’s Minneapolis Immigration Playbook Nationwide
One day after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, police in the United Kingdom say the search of his former home will likely continue until Monday. Plus, the Supreme Court deals a major blow to Trump’s economic agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 20, 2026 • 1h 30min
Ex-Prince Andrew Arrested After Epstein Files Revelations
New images of former Prince Andrew appear to show him duck from cameras. The journalist who conducted the damning 2019 interview with Andrew about his alleged ties with dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein joins. Plus, more revelations in the Epstein files this time entangling two Harvard University researchers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 2026 • 1h 30min
Europe Struggles To Define What Comes After Trump
Les Wexner, the billionaire behind Victoria’s Secret, once named as a secondary unindicted co-conspirator in the Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case with notes that there was limited evidence of his involvement, testified today in a congressional deposition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 18, 2026 • 1h 30min
Remembering Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson
New tributes for civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, a two time presidential candidate who paved the way for so many progressives and African Americans who came after him. Plus, DNA on a glove found two miles from the home of Nancy Guthrie does not match anyone in the FBI’s criminal database. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 17, 2026 • 1h 28min
DOJ Letter To Congress Lists Hundreds Of Prominent People Named In Epstein Files
More members of the royal family are wrapped up in the Epstein files. Plus, the glove that could give investigators a new break into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Also, tracing the toxin that was used to kill Alexei Navalny, one of Vladimir Putin’s most vocal critics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 14, 2026 • 1h 30min
Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty To Charges From Church Protest
Independent journalist and former CNN anchor Don Lemon plead not guilty this afternoon to federal charges filed after he live streamed a demonstration inside a church in Minnesota last month. Plus, a look at Kathy Ruemmler’s resignation from Goldman Sachs amid fallout from the Justice Department’s release of millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 13, 2026 • 1h 33min
Sheriff: Evidence Found In Guthrie Search, “Including Gloves”
A federal judge shut down Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amidst his attempts to retaliate against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, one of six lawmakers who made the video reminding service members that they are not obligated to carry out illegal orders. Plus, the artificial intelligence CEO who has the world doing a double take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 12, 2026 • 1h 31min
Sheriff’s Dept: Nearly 18,000 Calls Since Guthrie Disappeared
A flood of tips and even more after key photos and video show a masked individual armed outside Nancy Guthrie’s door. Today, the new note demanding bitcoin in exchange for information about who the perpetrator is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


