The Lead with Jake Tapper

“Trump Employee 5”, a man named Brian Butler, an employee of Trump for 20 years, is a central witness in the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents. He is now speaking publicly because he believes that voters should hear the truth about his former boss and the case before the November election.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The man Trump belittles as Sleepy Joe seemed quite fiery last night as the president tries to flip the script launching a campaign blitz just one day after his forceful State of the Union address. Plus, Donald Trump's one-on-one at Mar-a-Lago today, meeting with Hungary's Viktor Orban, the authoritarian leader known for anti-immigration nationalist rhetoric and who often cozies up to Vladimir Putin. Also, see what happened when CNN confronted Israeli protesters determined to make sure little food, if any, makes it into Gaza despite the overwhelming humanitarian crisis.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden is expected to deliver his State of the Union address tonight in a high-stakes moment to convince voters to give him a second term in the White House. The president's speech is expected to include calls for higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. He also plans to take a swipe at former President Donald Trump, vow to restore Roe and acknowledge his age.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nikki Haley exits and clears the way for a Biden-Trump rematch. The president is making a play for her voters while Donald Trump is racking up some new GOP endorsements including a big one from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Also, a look at the chances of a third-party candidate jumping into this race this hour. The chief strategist for No Labels party joins.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Supreme Court unanimously allows Trump on Colorado ballots despite January 6th events, with divided opinions. CNN reports on escalating gang violence in Haiti. Analysis of conservative Supreme Court decisions, foreign military assistance challenges, and legal battles surrounding Trump's candidacy and immunity claims.

Fani Willis' fate is now in a judge's hands. She's the woman who charged Donald Trump with attempting to overturn the 2020 election in the state of Georgia. But now she herself is facing allegations of an improper relationship with the special prosecutor she put on the case. The judge says he'll make his decision in about two weeks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden and Donald Trump are both in Texas trying to blame each other for the crisis at the border. Republicans and Democrats who represent border towns weigh in. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Trump's legal team is pushing back as yet another state has tried to take him off its 2024 ballot. Also on today's show: We explore the chaos on the coast in Gaza after the Israeli military opened fire as crowds rushed food aid trucks. More than 100 people are believed to have been killed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mitch McConnell is stepping down as Senate Republican leader, though he is going to stay on as the senator from Kentucky. The new era of Republican politics is now loading. Plus, a monster wildfire is exploding in Texas, burning through land 11 times the size of Washington, D.C. Also, President Biden’s met with his doctor for his annual physical in what is expected to be the last update on Biden’s health before November’s election.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast discusses intense Oval Office meetings, CNN's return to Ukraine, and potential problems for Biden in Michigan. It also explores legal conflicts, changes to sanctuary city policies, campaign strategies, and negotiations for peace in Gaza.

Michigan Democrats plan to send a message to Biden on Gaza by voting uncommitted, creating political tension. Speculations on Navalny prisoner swap and Ukraine conflict update add geopolitical complexity. Border visits and legal battles highlight the podcast's diverse topics.