The Lead with Jake Tapper - podcast cover

The Lead with Jake Tapper

CNN Podcastswww.cnn.com
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.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Dayton officials talk to reports about mass shooting; Buttigieg unveils plan to combat "Domestic terrorist attacks"; Trump to visit El Paso, Dayton shooting sites; Accused El Paso gunman's family releases statement

Accused El Paso terrorist cooperating with police; Dayton shooter appeared to tweet extreme left views and showed interest in violence; Dayton shooter was exploring violent ideologies; FBI: Not found any indication of racial motivation in Dayton; FBI: Dayton shooter sought out information that promotes violence; FBI: No evidence El Paso shooting influenced Dayton gunman; Ex-Classmates: We warned about Dayton shooter's "Kill List"; Police: Motive of Dayton shooter still a mystery; Police believe ...

Aug 06, 201948 min

Dow dives as America's trade war with China escalates; At least 31 people killed after 2 shootings in 13 hours; Trump condemns "racist hate" but doesn't address own rhetoric

El Paso police official: Gunman has shown no remorse; Dayton police: Gunman had up to 250 rounds of ammo; Two Dayton shooting survivors speak with CNN; NRA "welcomes" Trump's remarks after two mass shootings; Obama urges Americans to reject language from leaders that "normalizes racist sentiments"; Trump: U.S. must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy; Texas suspect posted racist rant minutes before attack; Law enforcement struggles to keep tabs on racist sites used by mass shooters; Bide...

Aug 05, 201940 min

Breaking News: Trump: Ratcliffe no longer pick for Intelligence Chief; GOP "Gut Punch" GOP Aide; Rep. Hurd's retirement "Not Good News" for 2020; Trump's Target:

Breaking News: Trump: Ratcliffe no longer pick for Intelligence Chief; GOP "Gut Punch" GOP Aide; Rep. Hurd's retirement "Not Good News" for 2020; Trump's Target: President Trump uses Baltimore homicide rate to try to score political points at rally; Trump's World: Trump announces new trade agreement with E.U. imposes new tariffs on China; Embracing Obama...Now: Dem Candidates walk back debate attacks on Obama; Battle over Trump's taxes: Trump slams CA after new law requires him to release taxes;...

Aug 02, 201940 min

U.S. Official: North Korea test fires two missiles; Candidates back on trial, hope for post-debate bounce; 2020 candidate Bullock talks race, trade and debate; U.S. to test new missile to counter Russian aggression in Europe

Obama's record becomes target as candidates focus on Biden; Biden "surprised" rivals went after Obama's record when challenging him in debate; Harris says she's expected to take hits from 2020 rivals; Biden: "absolutely bizarre" rivals attacked Obama's record; Biden laughs off his debate stumbles and gaffes; 2020 candidates announce fundraising boosts after debate; Bullock announces biggest fundraising day since joining race; Trump announces new tariffs against China; Biden: I was surprised by c...

Aug 01, 201939 min

Trump stokes racial divide by ramping up attacks on Rep. Cummings and Baltimore; Trump slams Baltimore for "infestation" as Kushner properties cited for rodents; 2020 Dems descend on Michigan, a state Trump narrowly won

Trump goes after Rev. Sharpton after slamming Rep. Cummings; Attacks on Cummings come one week after Trump lashed out at 4 Democratic women of color; Mulvaney: Trump's comments on Cummings are not about race; GOP Meadows yet to defend "best friend" Cummings after attacks; Michigan gov. talks 2020 Dems & beating Trump in her state; Michigan Dem. Party Black Caucus endorses Kamala Harris; Harris' "Medicare for all" plan keeps private insurance; Sanders reacts to Harris' "Medicare for all" prop...

Jul 29, 201940 min

Dems take big step forward toward possible impeachment; filing suit for Mueller's secret grand jury material; Top Dem candidates signal aggressive debate strategies; Trump rips Sweden, France, Fox News and more in Twitter tear

Pelosi: "I'm not trying to run out the clock" on impeachment; Pelosi: I have no "hatchet" to bury with Ocasio-Cortez; Trump complains about Fox poll showing him losing to Biden; Harris on upcoming CNN debate: I was raised to be polite; Mayor Buttigieg calls out Pres Trump as racist; Yang jokes He'll attack Bennet at debate: "You know what you did"; Trump advisers point to Biden, Harris & Warren as biggest threats; Trump downplays North Korea missile tests this week; North Korea: Missile laun...

Jul 26, 201940 min

Dems grapple with next move as Trump tries to spin win; Attorney General Barr reinstates federal death penalty; Source: Biden's shift to more aggressive tone "intentional"; Worker fired after doctored presidential seal appeared behind Trump at speech

Pelosi: I won't discourage Dems from backing impeachment; Trump tires to claim victory, as Mueller says he's not exonerated; Dems grapple with next move as Trump declares victory; Intel Chair Schiff: Not sure country benefits from impeachment; 5 inmates to be executed, ending 16-year federal death penalty hiatus; Biden camp jabs Harris: He's about more than selling t-shirts; Biden on second debate: "I'm not going to be as polite this time"; Biden, Booker launch new attacks ahead of second debate...

Jul 25, 201940 min

Mueller: President Trump was not exonerated; Mueller: President can be charged after leaving office; At least 92 House Dems support impeachment inquiry into Trump

Mueller refuses to say if his report recommends impeachment; Some 2020 Dems renew impeachment calls after Mueller testimony; Trump's first reaction: "We had a very good day today"; Trump after Mueller testimony: "Today proved a lot to everybody"; Following Mueller testimony, Senate Dems to push for legislation to secure election; Mueller's testimony repeatedly refutes claims made by Trump; Mueller's testimony contradicts Trump's repeated claims of "total exoneration"; First Trump comments after ...

Jul 24, 201953 min

Mueller prepares to testify as DOJ says he must stick to report; Ex-prosecutor who knows Mueller well talks key questions; Biden unveils criminal justice plan ahead of Dem debate; Next U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has history of gaffes

Sources: Trump irritated, not anxious, ahead of Mueller testimony; Mueller makes last-minute ask to swear in deputy for hearing; Trump: "Pleased" with deal that would add to soaring national debt; GOP divided over budget plan, some call it "best possible deal"; Trump in 2016: I could get rid of debt in eight years; Trump's top economic adviser: Trump will be tougher on spending after re-election; Trump sues to stop release of his state tax returns; Trump Lawyer: Officials' acts are "political re...

Jul 23, 201940 min

Trump lashes out at Mueller ahead of Wednesday's testimony; Dems, GOP preparing to question Mueller on report findings; Massive protests in Puerto Rico after gov. refuses to resign

Trump calls four Dem congresswomen of color "racist"; Trump: Four Dem congresswomen of color are "easy to handle"; Nadler: Mueller lays out Trump's high crimes & misdemeanors; Justice Dept. does not have a copy of Mueller's opening statement; Sources: Dems focusing on five specific areas of obstruction; Republicans plan to question Mueller on origins of probe; Trump says he's "best thing" to happen to Puerto Rico; Trump says U.S. is "ready for the absolute worst" with Iran; Iran claims it ar...

Jul 22, 201939 min

U.S. officials: Iran seizes two tankers, including British-flagged ship; Trump calls crowd "patriots" after chanting "send her back"; Harris and Biden gearing up for rematch at second dem debate; Trump accusers feel left behind by the #metoo movement.

Armed U.S. aircraft escorting commercial cargo ship after Iran seize two tankers; UK: no British citizens abroad ship seized by Iran; Trump: I believe all people are "good people", after attacking dems; Booker campaign signals he'll target Biden in debate; Warren: "delighted" to share debate stage with Sanders; Trump accusers grapple with furious backlash, death threats; Women who accused trump wonder what justice looks like; Soon: 6th day of protests in Puerto Rico to begin over political crisi...

Jul 19, 201939 min

Trump claims he disagrees with chants of "send her back"; 2020 candidate Harris responds to "send her back" chants; Trump far from first politician to use strategy of division; FBI: warrant: Trump talked to Cohen amid hush money payment

Trump claims he disagrees with "send her back" chants, despite staying silent, allowing them to continue; Trump took 13 seconds to speak after "send her back chats"; Dem Rep. Omar: Trump is a "racist and a fascist"; Sen Graham called Trump "Racist" in 2015 & now he says he's not; Trump's racist rhetoric echoes language of past leaders; Trump silent for 13 seconds during "send her back" chants; now claiming he tried to stop it by resuming speech; FBI: Trump, Hicks talked to Cohen before hush ...

Jul 18, 201939 min

Soon: House to vote over impeachment after Dem rep. says Trump should be punished for racist comments; Trump suggests he will call out Dem reps at rally; WH projects $1 trillion deficit for 2019

Sources: House will likely vote to table impeachment resolution; Source: Dem leadership prefers to kill impeachment resolution; Source: Moderate Dems felt vote over Trump racist tweets backfired, forced them to defend 4 progressives; Trump hits campaign trail as GOP defends his racist tweets; Sources: Trump & WH advisers believe criticizing Dem congresswomen is advantageous in 2020; Dem congresswomen deny fracture with Pelosi but have yet to meet face to face with the speaker; Sources: Moder...

Jul 17, 201940 min

Trump again defends his racist attacks on U.S. lawmakers; House to vote on condemning Trump's racist comments; Scaramucci reacts to Trump's racist tweets about Dem lawmakers; Dem rep throws gavel down as anger boils with GOP

Dems to vote on resolution to condemn Trump's racist attack; Trump again defends his racist on U.S. lawmakers; House GOP leaders defend Trump's racist attacks on lawmakers; Rep McCarthy & Sen. McConnell say Pres. Trump is not a racist after Trump sends racist tweets; McConnell: president Trump is not a racist; GOP Leaders meeting with Pres. Trump this hour after spending day defending his racist tweets; House to vote on resolution to condemn Trump's racist attack; Scaramucci: Trump's tweets ...

Jul 16, 201940 min

President Trump denies racist tweets were racist; Booker: Trump using "bigoted, vile, dangerous language"; Biden slams "Medicare for all" as he unveils health care plan

Booker: Trump "fanning the flames" of racial violence; 2020 candidate Booker on Trump's racist attack; Booker: The country will "rise up" to fight Trump's racism; Booker: No "equivalency" between what Dems and Trump say; Trump calls recent deportation raids "successful"; Trump admin yet to show results of deportation raids; Sanders defends "Medicare for all" amid Biden's criticism; Prosecutors push for Epstein bail denial citing severity of charges; Prosecutors: Epstein had cash, diamonds, forei...

Jul 15, 201939 min

With Acosta exit, Trump admin gains another "acting" head; Trump declares state of emergency in Louisiana as tropical storm Barry nears Gulf Coast; Trump rips "Baby" Paul Ryan over new book comments

Labor Secretary Acosta resigns, as Trump weighs replacing director of national intelligence Dan Coats; Sources: Trump weighing replacing DNI Dan Coats; Louisiana Governor: "No one should take this storm lightly"; Tropical storm Barry to swamp Gulf Coast already waterlogged from recent flooding; Tropical storm Barry threatening Gulf Coast region with unprecedented flooding; Dem lawmakers get emotional describing detention centers; DHS Watchdog: Overcrowding at detention centers not addressed; Ex-...

Jul 12, 201940 min

Sources: Trump expected to seek citizenship info by other means; President Trump's raids to target undocumented families in 10 major cities starting Sunday; Sources: Trump questioning whether Acosta's press conference was sufficient to keep his job

Miami Mayor reacts to planned immigration raids; Many undocumented families living in fear of upcoming raids; WH hosts right-wing internet personalities at social media summit, not tech leaders; Twitter & Facebook not invited to White House media summit; Biden unleashes on Trump in foreign policy pitch; Biden: world sees Trump as "insincere, ill-informed and impulsive"; Biden: If I'm president, there will be "no more Charlottesville's, no more Helsinki's"; Biden: Foreign policy can't be driv...

Jul 11, 201940 min

Acosta refuses to resign, defends secret plea deal for Epstein; Harris becomes latest candidate to team up with Ocasio-Cortez; Protestors storm Biden's campaign HQ demanding commitments for separated migrant families

Acosta blames state prosecutor's office: They were ready to let Epstein walk without jail time; Acosta defends secret plea deal for Jeffrey Epstein; Acosta: We now have hindsight & live in a different world; Acosta: We did the deal because we wanted to see Epstein in jail; Harris follows Warren and Sanders in attaching campaigns to Ocasio-Cortez; Pelosi makes unity pitch after spat with Ocasio-Cortez saying "Make me the target", not new Democrats; Warren confronted at campaign event, makes p...

Jul 10, 201940 min

Trump: I "feel badly" for Acosta, who gave Epstein plea deal; New high-stakes fight over Obamacare kicks off today; Ex-Fighter pilot Amy McGrath challenging GOP Sen. McConnell

Joe Biden calls for labor secretary Acosta to resign; Top Dems call for labor secretary Alex Acosta to resign for role in cutting "deal of a lifetime" for Jeffrey Epstein; Bill Clinton statement: "knows nothing" of alleged Epstein crimes; Biden on Obamacare: starting over would be a "sin"; Biden fiercely defends Obamacare as rivals call to replace it; Harris struggles to clarify "Medicare for all" stance; Biden releases tax returns, made $15M+ since leaving WH; Sen Kaine: Trump should feel badly...

Jul 09, 201940 min

Jeffrey Epstein pleads not guilty to sex trafficking of minors; Rep. Eric Swalwell drops out of 2020 race for president; Trump: U.S. will no longer deal with U.K. ambassador who called me "inept"

Prosecutors: Epstein "was well aware" many victims were minors; Prosecutors: Epstein sexually abused "dozens of minor girls"; Prosecutors charge politically-connected financier Jeffrey Epstein with operating trafficking ring, sexually abusing minors; Trump on accused predator Epstein in 2002: "terrific guy"; Any moment: Women's soccer world champions return to U.S.; Warren raises $19.1M in 2nd quarter, more than Sanders & Harris; Swalwell is first Dem to drop out of 2020 race for president; ...

Jul 08, 201939 min

President slams Biden, defends border patrol and insists citizenship question will be included in 2020 census; Exclusive: former VP Joe Biden sits down with CNN; Biden: vast majority of dems are where I am on the issues; Harris campaign raises less than $

Trump falsely claims citizenship question often included; Source: justice dept to pursue census citizenship question; Sources: Trump frustrated with commerce secretary Ross; Trump: border detention centers are "run beautifully"; Former VP Biden defends his record on busing; VP Biden defends himself: "Look at my record"; Biden on Harris's attack: I didn't want to get into that scrum; Biden: I wasn't prepared for Harris to come at me like that; Joe Biden insists "People know who I am"; Biden: I've...

Jul 05, 201940 min

6.4 earthquake strikes Southern California, felt in L.A. & Vegas; Ahead: Trump to speak at controversial July 4th event

USGS seismologist: chance of another damaging quake today; USGS: At least 58 aftershocks after 6.4 earthquake; Kern County Fire: Ridgecrest Hospital is being evacuated; Officials report broken water mains, rock slides, power lines down; Largest earthquake in 20 years hits Southern California; USGS: At least 73 aftershocks after 6.4 earthquake; Source: Military chiefs concerned about politicization of July 4th; WH aides working overtime to fill event space with crowd; Trump baby blimp makes appea...

Jul 04, 201953 min

Trump defends planned military display at July 4th event; Biden campaign raised $21.5 million in second quarter; Trump to Iran: Threats can come back to "bite you"

Source: Military chiefs concerned about politicization of July 4th; WH refuses to say how much July 4th event will cost taxpayers; Wash. Post: Parks dept. to divert $2.5M to help pay for July 4th event; Trump says he's "absolutely moving forward" with census citizenship question contradicting his own officials; 2020 Dems descend on Iowa ahead of July 4th celebrations; Biden campaign raised $21.5 million in second quarter, more than Sanders but less than Buttigieg; Harris: President Trump is a "p...

Jul 03, 201940 min

Trump to host July 4th event filled with tanks, fighter jets; DHS watchdog releases photos of families in overcrowded border facilities in Texas; New CNN poll: Trump job approval remains at 43%; Biden leads, Harris & Warren battle for 2nd in new Iowa poll

Trump claims military "thrilled" to be on display at July 4th event; Trump's July 4th event criticized as politicizing military; Trump to speak from the National Mall on July 4th; WH defends July 4th extravaganza as "patriotic"; Escalating tensions; Pres Trump to Iran: you are "playing with fire"; Retired Four Star General launches national service campaign; Trump baby blimp gets permit for July 4th on National Mall; Gingrich: "what kind of idiot" would complain about the president wanting to ce...

Jul 02, 201939 min

New CNN Poll: Biden lead narrows to five points post-debates; Buttigieg raises eye-catching $24.8 million in second quarter; Trump makes history as first sitting U.S. president to visit N. Korea

New CNN Poll: Biden support down 10%, support for Harris up 9%; New CNN Poll: Only 4 candidates polling above 5%: Biden 22%, Harris 17%, Warren 15% and Sanders 14%; New CNN Poll: Harris, Warren make steep gains after first debates; NYT: Trump may allow N. Korea to keep nukes in exchange for freeze; Ivanka embraces role as top adviser, diplomat & daughter; Trump praises Putin, Kim Jong Un & Saudi Crown Prince at World Summit; Iran breaches uranium limit agreed to in 2015 nuke deal; Source...

Jul 01, 201940 min

Kamala Harris steals stage, Biden target of attacks; Booker on his 2020 path after first democratic debate; Biden defends his past position on busing in heated fight; Pres. Trump smiles, tells Putin "don't meddle in election"

Biden defends record after bruising debate; Source close to Biden on debate performance: "Not great"; Swalwell to Biden: "Time to pass the torch"; Booker reacts to Biden's fierce defense of civil rights record; Biden: I never ever opposed voluntary busing; Harris targets Biden for opposing federally mandated busing; Biden tries to explain busing stance: I was against the federal government ordering busing; Biden and Harris busing exchange highlights divide for Dems; Trump jokes with Putin about ...

Jun 28, 201940 min

Dem Debate: Who will stand out & who will go on attack?; Supreme court rules in two cases with big voting implications; Ocasio-Cortez: "under no circumstances" should house vote on senate's border funding bill

What the first debate means for candidates' strategies tonight; Frontrunners to square off in second Dem debate tonight; Biden, Sanders, Harris & Buttigieg in debate tonight; Obama campaign strategist on make-or-break debate moments; Supreme court rules fed courts can't stop questionable political district mapping; Chief Justice Roberts sides with liberals on census case, conservatives on district mapping; Supreme court blocks citizenship question from 2020 census for now, returns case to lo...

Jun 27, 201941 min

Robert Mueller set to testify publicly on July 17th; The story behind the image of drowned father & toddler; Last-minute preparations for 2020 Dems ahead of first debate

President Trump to Mueller: "Does it ever stop?"; Trump slams Mueller testifying, accuses Dems of "Do-Over"; President Trump's lawyer responds to Mueller testifying; Image of dad and toddler drowned in Rio Grande illustrates humanitarian crisis at the U.S. Border; Trump on Photo of drowned migrants: "I hate it," it could stop if the democrats change the laws; Warren leads in polls among her debate night stage mates; De Blasio, Ryan, Castro, Booker, Warren, O'Rourke, Klobuchar, Gabbard, Inslee, D...

Jun 26, 201940 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android