

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

Dec 12, 2023 • 1h 23min
Special counsel asks Supreme Court if Trump has immunity from federal prosecution
US Supreme Court to decide if Trump can be prosecuted for actions as president. Humanitarian crisis in Gaza and efforts by Biden administration to provide aid. Special counsel seeks clarification on Trump's immunity. Dire conditions in Gaza amid Israel-Hamas conflict. Keeping trial date crucial. Frustration of families seeking attention for missing American citizens. Supreme Court's response to Trump immunity question.

Dec 9, 2023 • 1h 23min
Hunter Biden faces nine federal criminal charges in tax case
Gaza Palestinians' perspectives on Hamas and conflict, Texas challenging abortion ban, Hunter Biden defends against GOP tying legal problems to his father.

Dec 8, 2023 • 1h 24min
One-on-one with Liz Cheney
Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney discusses Trump, Kevin McCarthy, House Speaker Mike Johnston, and her fears for the future of the U.S. Also explores threats to public officials, lawmakers, and election workers

Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 22min
Police: suspected dead after shooting at UNLV campus
Three people were killed and one person is in critical condition after a shooting on the UNLV campus, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said Wednesday. The suspect was also killed, police said. Plus, in a vote that is happening now, Senate Republicans are threatening to block funding for Israel and Ukraine. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware joins discuss what’s in the aid package. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 22min
UN officials warn of an "apocalyptic" situation in Gaza
New warnings of an apocalyptic situation in Gazza as Israel takes deadly aim at Hamas. Plus, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee Sen. Mark Warner joins to discuss the GOP being willing to block Ukraine and Israel aid if border funding is not included. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 5, 2023 • 1h 23min
Trump tries to rebut claims he’s a threat to democracy
Donald Trump is now claiming President Biden, not himself, is a threat to American democracy. This as there is six weeks left until the Iowa caucuses. Plus, Israel is expanding its war, targeting Hamas in all of Gaza, even in the south where Israel first told Palestinians to flee for safety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 2, 2023 • 1h 23min
House expels Rep. George Santos over ethics violations
The podcast discusses the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Israeli strikes in Gaza, and criticism faced by Prime Minister Netanyahu. It also covers the expulsion of Rep. George Santos from Congress and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, it mentions Trump's legal arguments and the impact of the Israeli military operations. Lastly, it briefly mentions the college admissions scandal and community work.

Dec 1, 2023 • 1h 23min
U.S. role in hostage negotiations
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back in Israel trying to stop the war from restarting. Can he help secure the release of the eight Americans still being held hostage by Hamas before bombs start dropping again? Plus, one of the innocent Palestinian college students in Vermont describes the moment the gunman came after him and his friends. His family says this crime was motivated by bigotry. So, why no hate crime charges? Plus, a gag order has just been reinstated on Donald Trump who keeps personally attacking the judge and his clerk in the civil fraud trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 22min
CNN speaks with families in West Bank after IDF raid
As the truce expiration looms, Israel says a new group of hostages has been freed including an American citizen. Some of the hostages’ families sit down with Jake for an exclusive interview. This as Qatar says 30 Palestinians, 16 minors and 14 women, are being released Wednesday in exchange for the release of hostages in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 22min
More hostages freed on fifth day of Israel-Hamas truce
Officials say thirty more Palestinians were freed from Israeli prisons as 12 more hostages were freed from Hamas, but not two American women. What happened to the deal cut last week that was thought to have included them? Plus, a CNN exclusive with the father of Emily Hand, the 9-year-old kidnapped by Hamas. Also, former Republican Congressman Liz Cheney is naming names and shares what fellow Republicans would tell her secretly behind closed doors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


