The Lead with Jake Tapper

A top Israeli official is meeting with the White House over Israel's war over Hamas as the administration asks Israel to scale back the war strategy. Also, a new caravan of thousands of migrants is headed to the U.S. border from southern Mexico one day before Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Mexico City in an effort to deal with the crisis. Plus, if you're planning to return an unwanted holiday gift, it may cost you. We'll tell you why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court rejected a request by special counsel Jack Smith to fast-track arguments on whether Trump has any immunity from federal prosecution for alleged crimes he committed while in office. The court did not explain its reasoning and there were no noted dissents. Plus, an unprecedented number of immigrants are coming across the border as Biden makes an urgent call to Mexico to help manage the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Terrifying scenes in the Czech Republic after a gunman's deadly rampage, killing his father and then targeting a school. What we are learning at this hour about this rare type of attack for Europe. Plus, all eyes are on the U.S. Supreme Court as special counsel Jack Smith pushes back today against team Trump. Will the justices weigh in on whether or not Trump has immunity before Christmas? First, a new low for Rudy Giuliani as he files for bankruptcy today. His list of people he is trying to skip out on paying includes Hunter Biden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Any moment now we are expecting team Trump to appeal the ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that Trump disqualified himself from the 2024 ballot for engaging in an insurrection. A former U.S. attorney general under Trump is here to discuss. Plus, new signs from both Israel and Hamas that a temporary pause might be on the table. Also, the US has reached an agreement to secure the release of six wrongfully detained Americans and four other Americans held in Venezuela.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democratic Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania joins to discuss border security, his party backing Israel wholeheartedly, and says he's not a Progressive. Also, a volcanic eruption is creating warnings and wonder around the world. Plus, GOP presidential hopefuls blitz Iowa as caucuses near.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House is pushing Israel to adjust its rules of engagement after the IDF accidentally killed three hostages. New gripping accounts emerge from hostages formerly held by Hamas describing their horror while in captivity including dodging airstrikes from Israeli forces. Plus, Jews in America are being targeted again, after more than 200 fake bomb threats and SWAT calls in one week alone. We look at what law enforcement sources are telling CNN about what is being done to track down those responsible.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A jury ordered Rudy Giuliani to pay nearly $150 million to two Georgia election workers for the harm caused by defamatory statements he made about them following the 2020 election. Freeman and Moss were awarded more than $16 million each for defamation, $20 million each for emotional distress and $75 million total in punitive damages, stemming from a series of statements Giuliani and others, including former President Donald Trump, made. Plus, an autopsy now shows that Matthew Perry died of “acute effects of ketamine”.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN’s Clarissa Warn gains access to southern Gaza to report first-hand on the horrifying reality on the ground as Biden has a new message for the government of Israel. Also, an exclusive CNN investigation into the nation’s largest credit union, Navy Federal, reveals an alarming disparity between White and Black applicants. Plus, deliberations are underway in the defamation lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani as several Georgia election workers seek $48 million in damages.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A federal judge has just paused Donald Trump’s 2020 election interference case which could lead to his March 2024 trial being delayed. Plus, the White House is working to square Biden’s “indiscriminate bombing” comment with claim that Israel is trying to limit civilian causalities. This as political appointees and Biden administration staffers are expected to hold a vigil in front of the White House on Wednesday to call on President Joe Biden to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Capitol Hill with lawmakers and at the White House to request aid and make the case that his country is fighting a losing battle with Russia. Plus, Present Biden privately tells supporters that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to change his strategy and his plans for Gaza and that Netanyahu himself needs to change. Will Biden's comments impact the relationship with Israel? The Lead is live from Des Moines, Iowa, ahead of a major event for the 2024 race. CNN moderates a town hall tonight with Governor Ron DeSantis.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices