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

September 23, 2025 85 mins
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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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FBI Director Kash Patel is now headed to Utah to help investigate the assassination of Trump ally Charlie Kirk as the manhunt for the suspect intensifies.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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September 10, 2025 110 mins
Trump ally, conservative activist, founder of Turing Point USA, Charlie Kirk, 31, has been shot and killed in an apparent assassination. We bring you the latest details of this breaking news.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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President Trump is trying to distance himself from an Israeli strike in Qatar, which Israel claims targeted Hamas leaders. Qatar has been a key mediator in the Gaza ceasefire talks so what does this mean for any hope for a ceasefire deal?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The infamous Epstein birthday book is now in the hands of Congress and the page allegedly from President Trump is now public. Plus, the United States Supreme Court is allowing roving immigration patrols to continue in Los Angeles as the Trump administration launches a new operation in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Wall Street Journal is reporting RFK Jr.’s plans to announce a link of Tylenol use during pregnancy to children with autism. Plus, the Trump administration's finger pointing begins after the latest jobs report painted a rather bleak picture of the economy.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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From shouting matches to RFK Jr. lying to senators, a look at key moments from today’s Capitol Hill hearing. Plus, a look at The Smithsonian exhibits that the White House has says they have issues with. Also, sources tell CNN Trump’s DOJ is weighing banning transgender Americans from owning guns.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jeffrey Epstein trafficking and rape survivors have strong messages as they appear on Capitol Hill detailing what the pedophile did to ruin their lives for a time and why the Justice Department needs to reveal much more. Plus, what Trump is saying about a show of force from other world leaders.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Epstein files are back front and center as House Republicans invite survivors of the dead pedophile to Capitol Hill. Plus, when weather is at the extreme, how big cities are trying to make big changes to keep with the growing force of nature.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Officials in Chicago are warning Trump against a major immigration enforcement operation which sources say is set as soon as this week. Plus, is Congress about to get its hands on more Epstein records?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The nation’s largest pharmacy chains, Walgreens and CVS, are pulling back on who can get a Covid vaccine. A look at how these decisions are a direct result of the turmoil at the CDC.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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A legal hearing has been set for tomorrow morning over whether Trump can actually fire a Federal Reserve governor for the reason he is citing. Plus, an 11-year-old girl speaks with CNN about surviving the mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The United States flag outside the White House has been lowered to half-staff as the nation mourns two children, ages 8 and 10, who were killed in a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. We bring you the latest details from officials.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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