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 2, 2025 81 mins
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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President Trump is being threatened with a lawsuit as he keeps up his feud with the Federal Reserve by pushing to fire a Federal Reserve board governor, accusing her of mortgage fraud. Plus, blocked highways and burning tires in Israel as Israeli protestors call for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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National Guard troops on DC streets are now armed with rifles as Trump looks to expand his federal police takeover in more US cities. Now some mayors and governors are pushing back. Plus, the former federal prosecutor who arranged the sweetheart deal for Jeffrey Epstein is now scheduled for questioning.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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This afternoon, the Justice Department for the first time released information about Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s interview with Ghislaine Maxwell. In the interview she says she doesn’t think Epstein died by suicide. She also downplays President Trump’s involvement with Epstein.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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President Trump joined the National Guard and law enforcement at the US Park Police headquarters in a show of support for federal law enforcement. Plus, Russia continues to pound Ukraine, killing even more civilians. Is the peace deal now going up in smoke?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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A look at why the CEO of the giant retailer Target is stepping down. Plus, former President Obama is endorsing the pending plan by California Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional maps. Also, an update on Hurricane Erin.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Will Russia and Ukraine come to the table and end more than three years of conflict and will Trump be front and center for discussions? New details are emerging as the White House rules out United States boots on the ground to help secure Ukraine from Russian attacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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A full day of diplomacy is still underway at the White House where President Trump tries to broker a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine. Last hour President Trump paused a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and European leaders to speak with with Vladimir Putin on the phone. This comes as President Trump appears to waffle at the idea of a ceasefire.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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In less than 24 hours, a major summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place in Alaska. President Trump believes he can deliver a deal in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and says that both sides are ready to make peace. He is also teasing a second meeting which would include Ukraine’s President Zelensky.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Just days before his face-to-face with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump is getting an earful from European leaders as Russia makes more territorial gains in Ukraine. Plus, President Trump makes a surprise announcement about the upcoming Kenny Center honors.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Nearly 1,000 federal agents and officers are on the streets of Washington DC as CNN gets community reaction about the visible presence of this temporary federal takeover. Plus, investigators are revealing new details about the shooting at the CDC in Atlanta last Friday.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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President Trump previews his Friday summit with Putin in Alaska, as United States officials rush to finalize the details of this crucial face-to-face to end that war. Plus, local officials in Washington DC pushing back after Trump announced he is deploying National Guard troops in the nation’s Capitol.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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President Trump at the White House moments ago said he will soon announce details of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. We bring you all the latest in this breaking news development.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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President Trump has slapped higher tariffs on nearly every country in the world which means, according to experts, Americans will be paying the highest tax rate on foreign goods since 1933 in midst of the Great Depression. Plus, protests erupt over Israel today as Prime Minister Netanyahu says he is planning for a full military takeover of all of Gaza.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Key new details about the suspect accused of shooting five soldiers at Fort Stewart earlier today. An Army sergeant is in custody after he allegedly used his personal handgun to shoot five fellow soldiers this morning at the Fort Stewart military base in Georgia, according to base officials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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President Trump is pressed on whether Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell is credible as CNN learns the White House is debating releasing a transcript of Maxwell’s recent meeting with the deputy attorney general. Plus, President Trump has been creating his own equations when it comes to jobs numbers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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