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 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
Feb 11, 2026 • 1h 30min
FBI: Person Appeared To Have “Tampered” With Guthrie Door Camera
The FBI released six still images and three videos showing a masked armed intruder outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of ‘Today’ show host Savannah Guthrie. Plus, the latest revelations from the Epstein files. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 10, 2026 • 1h 30min
Epstein Files Fallout
Today, Jeffrey Epstein’s convicted accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is in prison, appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee where she pleaded the fifth and wouldn’t answer questions. Plus, the latest in the search for Nancy Guthrie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 7, 2026 • 1h 31min
WH Downplayed Racist Video Trump Shared, Then Blamed Staffer
What many are calling a new low for Trump, and those are the Republicans, after a video post that included racist imagery of the Obamas as apes. Plus, the FBI surges teams to Arizona in the search for Nancy Guthrie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 6, 2026 • 1h 27min
FBI: Ransom Note In Guthrie Case Has First Deadline Of “5PM Today”
Law enforcement authorities reveal new details in their search of the mother of ‘Today’ show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Plus, the new jobs report in America shows layoffs way up and hirings way down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 5, 2026 • 1h 30min
Trump Warns Iran’s Supreme Leader Should Be “Very Worried”
The FBI is facing a new lawsuit from Fulton County Georgia one week after its raid, seizing boxes of ballots and other information from the 2020 election. Plus, President Trump’s new warnings to the leaders of Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 30min
FBI Pleads For New Leads In Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
What happened to the mother of ‘Today’ show anchor Savannah Guthrie? Investigators say they believe she was taken from her home against her will. Plus, facing a contempt of Congress vote, President Bill and Secretary Hilary Clinton now say they are ready to testify about their connections to dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 3, 2026 • 1h 31min
Revelations From The Latest Batch Of Epstein Files
President Trump attempted earlier today to distance himself from the dead pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. A look at the revelations inside the Epstein files. Plus, an urgent search for the mother of Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 31, 2026 • 1h 31min
Some Survivors’ Names Are Unredacted In Files
Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State and former Maricopa County recorder, talks election administration and the risks of federal intervention. He discusses 2020 ballot concerns and how Arizona is preparing for possible federal involvement. Short, direct takes on election raids, oversight, and readiness.
Jan 30, 2026 • 1h 30min
Border Czar: ICE & CBP Working On Minneapolis “Drawdown Plan”
Pete Buttigieg, former Transportation Secretary and mayor, weighs in on political fallout. Andrew McCabe, former FBI deputy director, breaks down the Fulton County raid and intelligence roles. Ken Cuccinelli, former acting DHS deputy, discusses federal-local cooperation and ICE policy. John Sandweg, former acting ICE director, explains immigration enforcement operations. Multiple short takes on enforcement, raids, and policy shifts.
