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.
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Episodes

Judge sets NY hush-money case trial date for March 2024

Former President Trump has learned the start date for his criminal trial in New York for the Stormy Daniels hush money case and it will be right in the middle of the presidential primary season next year. Plus, a look at the charges facing a 19-year-old accused of driving a U-Haul into the security barrier at the White House. According to the Secret Service, inside the truck was duct tape, a backpack, and a Nazi flag. Plus, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis turns to one of the most controversial CEOs in...

May 23, 20231 hr 20 min

McCarthy: need a debt deal “this week” to avoid default

President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy are meeting tonight to try and avoid a default as we examine what may be on and off the negotiating table. Plus, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) sets his sights on the White House after announcing his bid for the 2024 presidency. Also, according to sources, Donald Trump asked whether he could push back against Justice Department efforts to recover classified documents still in his possession during conversations with his lawyer over compliance with a federal su...

May 22, 20231 hr 20 min

Debt default talks hit a snag

First: Your elected leaders have taken a pause to try to prevent economic catastrophe. What's seen as a major snag in debt negotiations puts everything at risk. Plus: Joe Biden meets with G7 leaders in Japan where Ukraine leader Zelensky arrives with a big ask. And: A new name enters the 2024 GOP presidential race, making the case why Donald Trump should not be the Republican nominee. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. V...

May 20, 20231 hr 20 min

Twitter, Google score major victories at Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tech giants can remain relatively unaccountable for what people post on their sites, not even if it’s a terrorist organization. Plus, Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) and her office never mentioned that she had swelling of the brain. What a sources tells CNN about the Senator's previously undisclosed health condition and what that means for the millions of citizens in California. Also, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore joins to address the NRA suing him after he signed gun...

May 18, 20231 hr 19 min

New evidence in special counsel probe may undercut Trump’s claim

The National Archives plans to share with the special counsel 16 records showing Trump and advisers knew of the declassification process, undercutting Trump’s claim that the documents he took were automatically declassified. Plus, paparazzi follow Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in New York in a scene described as near catastrophic. Also, a vote on taking action against Republican Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) after his many lies, a federal indictment, and him pleading guilty to a crime in another ...

May 17, 20231 hr 19 min

Biden & top congressional leaders meet as U.S. nears default

President Biden just cancelled the second part of his overseas trip. Is this a sign that the debt ceiling negotiations are going poorly? Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) joins to answer if Republicans have specified where spending cuts would occur. Plus, he’s known for pushing Kremlin propaganda. But, now the head of the Wagner Group is claiming a U.S. citizen was killed in the battle for Bakhmut. Was he correct? Also, congressional testimony today calling to regulate artificial intelligence amid fears t...

May 16, 20231 hr 22 min

Special counsel concludes FBI never should have launched Trump-Russia probe

After three years, Special Counsel John Durham finally released his report into whether the FBI had a legitimate reason to investigate Trump in 2016. Durham’s report concluded the FBI should never have launched a full investigation into connections between Donald Trump’s campaign and Russia. The report also states the FBI used different standards when weighing concerns about alleged election interference regarding Hillary Clinton. Also, a congressional staffer and intern were both attacked by a ...

May 15, 20231 hr 19 min

Border towns declare emergencies as expulsion policy ends

With border crossings at an all time high, the Biden administration warns times ahead will likely get even worse now that a key immigration policy has expired. Plus, a U.S. Marine veteran surrenders for manslaughter charges after holding a homeless man in a chokehold on a New York City subway. Also, Oklahoma’s governor is trying to defund the state’s PBS station, home to programs such as Sesame Street and Mister Rogers, claiming some programming is over-sexualizing children. To learn more about ...

May 12, 20231 hr 20 min

House passes border security package as Title 42 ends

The House voted to pass a sweeping GOP border security bill after Republican leaders worked to lock down votes and win over holdouts within their own party. The GOP border bill is expected not to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House. Plus, Trump’s 2024 campaign playbook seems to be a repeat of falsehoods and indecency from 2020. How not only Democrats but also Republicans are expressing revulsion at things he said at the CNN town hall. To learn more about how CNN protects lis...

May 11, 20231 hr 20 min

U.S. braces for surge of migrants as Title 42 expires tomorrow

There is just one day left until Title 42, the Trump-era pandemic policy, expires. Introduced by Trump and adopted by Biden, the policy allows border officials to expel nearly all migrants without giving them a chance to seek asylum. Then, Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) George Santos pleads not guilty to 13 federal charges, including fraud and money laundering. Also, Republicans flag what they call shady deals as they lay out their case against President Biden’s family. Is there evidence behind the...

May 10, 20231 hr 20 min

Jury finds Trump liable for sexually abusing & defaming E. Jean Carroll

A jury in New York has found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The jury awarded the former magazine columnist nearly $5 million in damages to be paid by Mr. Trump. CNN’s Chief Legal Analyst Laura Coates joins to break down the unprecedented trial. Plus, Rep. George Santos has been charged by the Justice Department according to sources familiar with the matter. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about...

May 09, 20231 hr 33 min

202 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year

The gunman behind the Texas mall massacre had been removed from the U.S. military for mental health issues as we learn more about the gunman’s extremist background. Plus, just in time for summer travel, a new proposed rule would give you a refund if you’re bumped from your next flight. Also, Russian air strikes blanket Ukraine as the war-torn country prepares for a spring offensive. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

May 08, 20231 hr 20 min

Trump’s deposition in E. Jean Carroll defamation case released

Rather interesting comments are revealed today from the former president of the United States as the world finally gets to see what Mr. Trump had to say about E. Jean Carroll’s rape allegations. Plus, the Russian mercenary Wagner Group says they will leave the war-torn city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halts the execution date of Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn...

May 05, 20231 hr 20 min

Four Proud Boys members found guilty of seditious conspiracy

Four Proud Boys were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their roles in the January 6th insurrection making this the third time federal prosecutors have successfully gotten guilty verdict on these serious charges. Plus, a homeless man was held in a deadly chokehold by a stranger in New York subway car. Why this incident sparked a homicide investigation and important conversations about mental health and vigilantism. Also, a fight gets underway to overturn an abortion ban in one state, a ban da...

May 04, 20231 hr 37 min

Atlanta police: 1 dead, 4 injured in shooting; manhunt for suspect

At least one person is dead and at least four others were injured, three critically, after a shooting in Atlanta. All the victims were female, the police said. According to law enforcement, the shooting happened after a man, who was accompanied by his mother, became enraged during a visit to a Midtown medical facility and opened fire. The suspect, Deion Patterson, is still at large. Also, former secretary of defense and former CIA director Leon Panetta joins to discuss Russian allegations that U...

May 03, 20231 hr 20 min

Biden admin to send 1,500 more troops to southern border

A border surge is expected as a key immigration policy is set to expire. Now, the Biden administration is deploying even more American troops to the U.S. Mexico border. CNN is on the ground there as some border towns declare state of emergency. Plus, some are warning of a recession and major job losses if Congress and the White House cannot strike a debt deal soon. Also, Jake speaks with artificial intelligence pioneer Geoffrey Hinton about the looming dangers of artificial intelligence. To lear...

May 02, 20231 hr 20 min

Sheriff: gunman kills 5 after being asked to stop firing rifle

The man who was previously deported four times killed his neighbors execution style after they complained about noise from his Friday night gunfire. Now agents on the border are being told to be on alert as authorities admit they have no idea where he is. Plus, E. Jean Carroll is back on the stand under aggressive cross-examination from Trump’s attorneys. Also, the second largest bank collapse in U.S. history. First Republic Bank has been taken over by JP Morgan Chase. Are more banks in jeopardy...

May 01, 20231 hr 20 min

Nebraska, South Carolina fail to pass new abortion bans

Attempts to restrict abortions in two separate states were shut down. We speak with a group of women who pulled off a legislative maneuver to stop one ban from moving forward. Plus, a new wave of Russian attacks across Ukraine including an apartment building hit by a missile. Also, as more people turn to weight loss drugs, its taking a toll on household names in the weight loss industry. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices...

Apr 28, 202340 min

Pentagon docs leak judge: “incredible” suspect didn’t think info would spread

The member of the Air National Guard who is accused of stealing and sharing classified documents appears in court and the government says he has a history of threatening to kill people. Plus, dozens of Americans are trapped in Sudan, begging the U.S. government to help get them out. Why do U.S. officials say they can’t help even though other countries are carrying out evacuations? Also, Brittney Griner holds her first news conference since her release from a Russian prison. To learn more about h...

Apr 27, 202341 min

Soon: House expected to vote on debt limit bill

A critical vote is possibly just minutes away as Speaker McCarthy pushes House Republicans to sign off on his debt limit plan. We speak with one GOP holdout about the offers. Plus, a parole board votes against sparing the life of a death row inmate in Oklahoma. Plus, Disney versus DeSantis as a new major lawsuit accuses the Florida governor of weaponizing his political power. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...

Apr 26, 202340 min

Biden announces re-election campaign: “lets finish the job”

Joe Biden has officially announced he is running for re-election after releasing a campaign video that’s a study in contrast as Republicans release their own video using AI. Plus, one state is trying to restrict hormone therapy and surgery for transgender minors and adults but the state's Republican secretary of state said this goes too far. Also, a look at the trail over whether Ed Sheeran’s singe “Thinking Out Loud” copied a classic Marvin Gaye song which begins this week. To learn more about ...

Apr 25, 202340 min

WH: U.S. is “actively facilitating” exit of Americans from Sudan

As the violence erupts in Sudan, the U.S. and other nations evacuate their embassies. But, what about other Americans on the ground? Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) of the Foreign Affairs Committee joins to discuss Biden’s response in Sudan and the prospects of negotiating peace between Ukraine and Russia. Plus, a Kentucky sheriffs office explains why it hired the cop who killed Breonna Taylor. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad ch...

Apr 24, 202340 min

Montana GOP silences trans lawmaker who condemned care ban

Republican state lawmakers are refusing to let a democratic state representative who is transgender speak after she made a passionate plea against a bill that would ban hormone treatments and surgery for transgender minors in Montana. That state lawmaker joins to discuss. Plus, an IRS agent tries to get whistleblower protection in the Hunter Biden probe, claiming to have information that contradicts the attorney general’s sworn testimony. This as Hunter Biden’s lawyers book a sit down with prose...

Apr 21, 20231 hr 20 min

Attorney: prosecutors plan to dismiss charges against Alec Baldwin

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin is soon to be cleared of involuntary manslaughter charges after a gun on a movie set killed his colleague. But, is Baldwin legally cleared for good? Plus, a father and daughter are shot after the six-year-old’s basketball rolled into a neighbor’s yard. Also, the most powerful unmanned rocket ever created exploded mid air. Why Elon Musk’s SpaceX says it triggered the fiery scene on purpose. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy L...

Apr 20, 20231 hr 20 min

Supreme Court maintains access to abortion pill for two more days

The U.S. Supreme Court pauses until Friday restrictions on access to an abortion pill which were put in place by a Texas judge. But, what might happen after this two day stay? Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) joins to provide her analysis and concerns. Plus, two cheerleaders were shot after they mistakenly opened the door to the wrong vehicle. Also, the CEO of Dominion Voting Systems joins to answer why his compony took the historic $787.5 million settlement from Fox News. To learn more about how CN...

Apr 19, 20231 hr 24 min

Settlement reached in Dominion v. Fox defamation lawsuit

Moments ago, a settlement has been reached in the high stakes trial between Dominion Voting Systems and Fox News. The settlement totals $787,500,000, according to Dominion attorney Justin Nelson. Fox released a statement saying “[Fox] acknowledge[s] the court’s rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false.” Plus, actor Jake Gyllenhaal joins to discuss a film about the plight of Afghan allies targeted by the Taliban. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.co...

Apr 18, 20231 hr 28 min

DOJ: two alleged Chinese agents operate “police station” in NYC

The FBI has arrested two alleged Chinese agents and federal prosecutors have charged dozens of others with working to silence and harass dissidents within the United States. Plus, outrage in Kansas City after a teenage black boy is shot after showing up at the wrong house to pick up his brothers. The gunman was an elderly white man and was released after less than two hours in custody. Also, the Republican led House Judiciary Committee is holding a field hearing in Manhattan today to focus on vi...

Apr 17, 20231 hr 20 min

Supreme Court extends access to abortion drug while considering case

The U.S. Supreme Court has extended a hold on a lower court ruling that would have imposed restrictions on access to an abortion drug in order to give the justices more time to examine the issue. Plus, the suspect in the leak of highly classified Pentagon memos has been charged under the Espionage Act. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joins discuss the scope of the problem facing the Pentagon. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your a...

Apr 14, 20231 hr 20 min

21-year-old guardsman arrested in Pentagon doc leak case

The FBI has arrested the suspect behind the leak of highly classified and damaging Pentagon memos. 21-year-old Massachusetts Air Force guardsman Jack Teixeira was identified as the suspect. The documents included detailed intelligence assessments of allies and adversaries alike, including on the state of the war in Ukraine. Plus, one of the Tennessee lawmakers expelled from the statehouse joins to discuss his reinstatement and how he plans on working with Tennessee Republicans on gun reform. To ...

Apr 13, 20231 hr 20 min

Evacuations ordered as blaze spews toxic smoke in Indiana

Flames engulf an Indiana recycling plant and the large smoke plumes stretch for miles as the toxic fire is expected to burn for days. Plus, the judge hearing the billion dollar Dominion versus Fox News lawsuit today sanctioned Fox’s lawyers, accusing the lawyers of withholding evidence and not telling the court the truth. Also, evictions surge amid rising inflation and pandemic eviction moratoriums ending. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more ab...

Apr 12, 20231 hr 20 min
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