The Lead with Jake Tapper
CNN
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.
Location:
Washington, DC
Description:
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.
Twitter:
@theleadcnn
Language:
English
Website:
http://cnn.com/thelead
Episodes
Trump Orders Navy to “Shoot & Kill” Mine-Laying Boats in Strait
4/23/2026
President Trump tells the United States Navy to take out any Iranian boats placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, risking escalating tensions and causing oil prices to rise once again. Plus, a new investigation launched into the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:27
WH: Trump Has “No Firm Deadline” for Iranian Peace Proposal
4/22/2026
Iran is seizing ships as more talks are allegedly set for who knows when. Plus, a look at the fight for control of Congress in 2026 as Virginia voters side with Democrats and change the map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:25
Trump: “I Expect to Be Bombing” if No Progress in Iran Talks
4/21/2026
President Trump is now ordering the US military to hold off on any attacks and to keep up the blockade on Iranian ports. Plus, Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Reserve was grilled on Capitol Hill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:56
Lori Chavez-Deremer to Step Down as Labor Secretary
4/20/2026
A ceasefire with Iran is about to expire so will we see more strikes? Plus, an apology from United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer tied to the Epstein files as he tries to quiet calls for him to resign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:57
Trump: Iran Will Turn Over “Nuclear Dust”
4/17/2026
Iranian sources dispute Trump’s claims that Iran has agreed to forfeit all of their “nuclear dust” to the United States in the current negotiations. Plus, a federal prosecutor was pulled from the case after he resisted pressure to charge one of Trump’s perceived political enemies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:36:14
Pope Leo: “Woe to Those Who Manipulate Religion”
4/16/2026
President Trump claims the United States has a lot of agreement with Iran. Also, according to police, former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia kills his wife and himself. Plus, nearly one week after splashdown we hear from the four astronauts who went to the far side of the moon and are now back on Earth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:50
British PM Refuses to Join Iran War
4/15/2026
President Trump’s new threat against the chair of the Federal Reserve. Plus, a second investigation has been launched into former congressman Eric Swalwell. Also, the International Monetary Fund is warning the Iran war could create a global shortage of oil and tip the world into a recession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:27
How the War & U.S. Blockade Affect What We Buy
4/14/2026
New criticism from President Trump as he takes issue with words from the Pope. Plus, two members of Congress are out of their jobs after getting engulfed in sex-related scandals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:49
U.S. Navy Blockades Iranian Ports After Peace Talks Collapse
4/13/2026
President Trump’s wild explanation for a fake AI image depicting him as Jesus. Plus, President Trump’s new threat to Iran. Also, Rep. Swalwell announced he plans to resign from Congress following explosive allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:33:02
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Plummets to Record Low
4/10/2026
President Trump’s new warning to Iran just one day ahead of peace talks set to begin tomorrow. Plus, one of the most critical moments of the Artemis II mission is just moments away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:23:54
Melania Trump Calls on Congress to Hold Hearing for Epstein Victims
4/9/2026
First lady Melania Trump delivers a surprise statement, saying the lies about her and Epstein must end. But, why is she making this statement now? Plus, Lebanon is bombarded by a series of new strikes from Israel. Will Netanyahu jeopardize the peace talks set to start in just days? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:09
U.S.-Iran Ceasefire on Shaky Ground Amid Continued Attacks
4/8/2026
The vice president is calling the two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran fragile. Today, Iranian state media reports that Iran has stopped oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz because, Iran says, Israel has carried out strikes on Lebanon after the start of the ceasefire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:31:19
Trump: Iranian Civilization “Will Die” if Deal Isn’t Made by 8PM ET
4/7/2026
We are hours away from President Trump’s deadline for Iran to make a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The President just told Fox News that the United States is in heated negotiations over the Iran war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:36:09
Trump to Iran: Strike Deal, or Bridges & Power Will Be “Decimated”
4/6/2026
President Trump hosted a new conference today that lasted nearly 90 minutes in which he wouldn’t say whether the war is winding down, calling it a “critical period” that depends on Iran’s actions. Plus, the Artemis II crew approaches the moon on their historic mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:35:05
U.S. Searching for Crew Member After F-15 Downed in Iran
4/3/2026
Iran’s military is now claiming that it has struck a second combat plane today. We bring you the latest details in the urgent search and rescue operation. Plus, CNN is learning from multiple sources that several Cabinet officials could be at risk of being fired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:31:18
President Trump Fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General
4/2/2026
Sources tell CNN that President Trump had a tough conversation with now former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Plus, hear from the head of one state election office vowing to take legal action against Trump’s crackdown on mail-in voting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:54
AAA: CA Drivers Paying About $5.89 For Gas, Highest in U.S.
3/31/2026
A brand new security alert for U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia warns that hotels, American businesses, and schools could quickly become targets. This as three key NATO allies cut off U.S. access to their bases for Iran operations. Also, the average gas price soars across the nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:41:24
Status Of Diplomatic Talks Uncertain Amid Trump’s Shifting Goals
3/30/2026
In the fifth week of the war with Iran, the White House says its four to six week timeline on Iran has not changed. So, is Operation Epic Fury almost over? CNN’s experts discuss where the situation stands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:26
TSA Workers Miss Second Full Paycheck As DHS Shutdown Drags On
3/27/2026
Plans are set into motion to pay TSA workers in a matter of days after a record number of them called out in a single day. Plus, breaking details about Tiger Woods being arrested on suspicion of DUI after a serious car crash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:34:47
Trump Admin. Pushing for New Investigation Into Letitia James
3/26/2026
President Trump says he is granting Iran a new extension, pausing the threatened strikes on Iranian power plants. Plus, what the President says about gas prices that keep going up. Also, a look at efforts to end the partial government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:19