The Lead with Jake Tapper

The Lead with Jake Tapper

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

October 17, 2025 83 mins
Tension points at the White House with the Ukrainian president proposing a major trade while President Trump hits a striking tone on Venezuela. Plus, Prince Andrew drops his royal title and trappings in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal as the United States Congress adds a new chapter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Moments ago, a federal grand jury in the state of Maryland indicted ambassador John Bolton. He was formerly Trump’s national security adviser. Plus, there are 19 days until Election Day 2025 and tonight is the first of two debates for New York City mayor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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A judge blocks President Trump’s planned layoffs of federal workers during the shutdown. Plus, at the White House, President Trump touted his administration’s efforts to reduce violent crime. We examine if the statistics he is citing check out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Media organizations, including CNN and Fox News, refuse to sign the Pentagon’s press access rule. Hear the latest on what the ultimatum was, which organizations refused to sign, and why.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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October 13, 2025 84 mins
After two years and six days of being in captivity and held by Hamas, the remaining living Israeli hostages cross the border. We bring you stories of Palestinian and Israeli families each reunited as President Trump hails a dawn of a new Middle East.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Trump administration is making good on its threat and are beginning the process of mass firings at multiple federal agencies. Plus, 19 people are missing in Tennessee after a power blast at a military explosives plant. Also, updates in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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/...
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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