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
Sources: DOJ Indicts Trump Adversary NY AG Letitia James
10/9/2025
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted this afternoon as President Trump’s Justice Department continues to pursue charges against Mr. Trump’s political adversaries. Plus, Israel’s cabinet is meeting right now before they take a final vote on the ceasefire proposal from President Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:11
Tensions Build On Capitol Hill As Shutdown Drags Into Day 8
10/8/2025
The possibility of delayed paychecks gets more real after day eight of the federal government shutdown. Could some furloughed federal workers not get paid at all? Plus, Trump says Israel and Hamas have signed off on a “first phase” of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:27:36
Republicans, Bondi Say Biden DOJ Used “’Double Standard”
10/7/2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced down some of her toughest critics on Capitol Hill but will this hearing and approach accomplish anything? Plus, will furloughed federal workers get backpay when the federal government reopens? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:23:53
WH: Quick Hostage Release Will Create Momentum On Rest Of Deal
10/6/2025
Lawsuits are flying left and right as the President tries to send in the National Guard into two major United States cities. How far will this legal showdown go? Plus, Trump’s answer to what would happen if Hamas insists on staying in power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:22:58
Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentenced To 50 Months In Prison
10/3/2025
There is no clear end in sight for the federal government shutdown now in day three. We examine what this means for the United States economy. Plus, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is sentenced to prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:24:59
Trump Admin Vows To Fire Federal Workers, Cut Blue-State Funding
10/2/2025
Shutdown day two and neither side is budging. Democrats are signaling they will block a vote to reopen the government as federal workers wait to learn just how long this may go on. Plus, a look at how Trump’s tariffs are effecting Halloween prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:23:22
White House: Federal Worker Layoffs Due To Shutdown “Imminent”
10/1/2025
We are nearly one full day into the partial federal government shutdown and the political blame game is in full force. A vast majority of Democrats are insisting they will never vote for a clean funding bill that the Republicans have put up unless Republicans agree to tack on subsidies that would help Americans afford Obamacare coverage as well as reverse cuts to Medicaid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:22:49
Trump: “A Lot Of Good” Can Come From A Shutdown
9/30/2025
In hours the United States government will begin to shut down barring some sort of unexpected event. While no two shutdowns are the same, the Trump administration made clear that this shut down will be played using a totally different playbook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:23:17
Sources: Qatari, Egyptian Officials Shared WH Plan With Hamas
9/29/2025
A source now tells CNN that a new peace plan is now in the hands of Hamas in Gaza. Plus, new details on Trump’s meeting with Capitol Hill leaders as the government now has just about 30 hours left to avoid a partial shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:22:49
Comey Faces Charges Of False Statements & Obstruction
9/26/2025
Brand new details on the actual evidence that led the Justice Department to seek an indictment against former FBI director James Comey. We also look at the pressure being put on the Biden-appointed judge overseeing this case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:24:16
Oversight Committee Obtains Epstein Flight Logs, Messages & More
9/25/2025
It turns out former FBI Director James Comey may not be the only Trump opponent who may face charges this week. Plus, brand new Epstein documents have been handed over to Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:28:35
Sources: Trump Admin Close To Deciding On Charging James Comey
9/24/2025
Former FBI director James Comey, a Trump political foe, will possibly face an indictment under Trump’s Department of Justice. We examine how soon those charges could come and what they may be. Plus, new details on the deadly shooting today at a Dallas immigration facility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:24:20
Trump Shifts On Peace Deal, Urges Ukraine To “Fight And Win”
9/23/2025
President Trump just flipped the script on Russia’s war in Ukraine now saying Ukraine can win. Plus, a look at the response after President Trump ripped into world leaders at the United Nations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:25:12
Experts Push Back At Trump Admin Over Autism & Tylenol Link
9/22/2025
Stunning new language from the White House that links children and autism to Tylenol when used by pregnant women. Plus, President Trump’s message to his attorney general suggesting that she take action against his political opponents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:21:44
Trump Attacks Free Speech As CEOs Try To Cash In
9/19/2025
Trump indicated he is interested in ridding from the airwaves criticism, mockery, speech and speakers he doesn’t care for. He is no longer only targeting comedians he doesn’t like, now he is targeting network newscasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:14:17
FCC Chair Credits Local TV Stations For Kimmel Suspension
9/18/2025
Did we just get a new veiled threat from the FCC chairmen today? President Trump also weighed in, suggesting that network licenses could be pulled if they air what he views as mostly negative coverage of him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:24:20
Fed Cuts Interest Rates To 4%, Citing “Weakening Job Market”
9/17/2025
Rupert Murdoch joins President Trump for his final night in London at a state banquet. Murdoch is facing a $20 billion lawsuit from that same President Trump over an article about Trump and the Epstein scandal. Plus, the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for the first time in months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:35:22
Prosecutor: Suspect’s Mom Says He Became More Left-Leaning
9/16/2025
Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin appears in court for the first time as prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. A deluge of new information on the case was released today. Plus, FBI Director Kash Patel was pressed on a range of issues during an oversight hearing before the GOP-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:32:31
FBI Director Reveals New Details About Alleged Kirk Shooter
9/15/2025
The FBI director reveals new details about evidence in the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Plus, what the Kremlin is saying about the chances of Russia ending its war against Ukraine. Also, the new deal announced to save TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:32:38
Utah Officials Urge Political Restraint After Kirk Killing
9/12/2025
A 22-year-old has been captured and charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk. How a dinner conversation, a Discord group chat, and a dad help zero in on his arrest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:23:28