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

More Than 4,000 Flights Delayed, 900+ Canceled Today

Right now millions of Americans are choosing health care plans and seeing their health care premiums skyrocket. Now, as the longest government shutdown in American history continues, many flights across the country are being cancelled or delayed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 08, 20251 hr 31 min

Nation’s Busiest Airports Brace For Imminent Cuts

Delta, United, Southwest Airlines all announce they are preemptively cancelling flights ahead of the Trump’s administration’s plan to reduce air traffic starting tomorrow because of the government shutdown. Plus, Nancy Pelosi announces plans to retire from Congress after nearly 40 years in the House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 07, 20251 hr 31 min

Trump’s Tariffs Face Tough Questions From Supreme Court

The Supreme Court justices are sounding skeptical about the president’s power to impose tariffs as the plaintiffs argue the president has gone too far. Plus, historic wins after Election Day 2025 including Zohran Mamdani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 06, 20251 hr 31 min

First Exit Poll Results In Races Test Trump’s Pull

Voters are racing to try to get their ballots in these final hours amid long lines in New York City and across the country. We bring you all the latest on Election Day in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 05, 20251 hr 24 min

Dems Watch VA, NYC Races For Cues About Party’s Future

We are just hours from Election Day and we break down key races in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, California, and more. Plus, a look at why premiums for health care are going up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 04, 20251 hr 29 min

FBI Says It Thwarted Potential Terror Attack In Michigan

New details about what the FBI says could have been an ISIS inspired terrorist attack. Plus, two federal judges weigh in on SNAP benefits set to expire tomorrow because of the government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 01, 20251 hr 23 min

DOJ Scrubs Mention Of Trump & January 6 From Sentencing Memo

Two assistant United States attorneys are suspended after mentioning facts about President Trump and the January 6th attack in court documents. A federal judge just weighed in. Plus, Britain’s King Charles strips his brother Andrew of his title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 31, 20251 hr 24 min

Jamaican Officials: Four Bodies Recovered In St. Elizabeth Parish

Dozens are killed and the devastation is significant after Hurricane Melissa pummeled multiple Caribbean islands. CNN reporters are standing by throughout the region with the latest details on the damage. Plus, what CNN is learning about covert CIA efforts targeting Venezuela’s Maduro regime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 30, 20251 hr 24 min

Jamaica’s PM: Hurricane Melissa Will Bring “Catastrophic Damage”

Hurricane Melissa, history’s second strongest hurricane in the Atlantic, is unleashing on the island of Jamaica. We bring you the latest on this historic storm. Plus, Israel Defense Forces are again pounding Gaza with air strikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29, 20251 hr 28 min

Jamaica Braces For Worst Hurricane Ever To Hit Island

Hurricane Melissa is the now the strongest storm on planet earth this year. The storm is bearing down on Jamaica tonight as a deadly Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 175 miles per hour. Plus, millions of low income Americans who rely upon food stamps are at risk of losing them in just days due to the government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 28, 20251 hr 23 min

Top Russian Envoy In U.S. For Talks After Trump Imposes Sanctions

As tensions rise with Venezuela, the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group is leaving Europe to head closer to South America. This as a key ally to Vladimir Putin arrives in the U.S. for meetings with the White House. This Putin ally joins live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 25, 20251 hr 25 min

Shutdown Will Extend To Next Week As Senate Leaves D.C.

The Pentagon expands where it’s targeting suspected drug boats with yet another hit in the eastern Pacific. Now, one county’s leader says he is moving missiles amid growing tensions with the United States. Plus, a massive sports gambling scandal rocks the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 24, 20251 hr 24 min

Federal Workers Line Up For Food Bank As Shutdown Hits Week 3

New images show portions of the White House are now rubble even though President Trump previously said that the structure would not change with the addition of the ballroom. Plus, Russia launches a large scale attack against Ukraine and NATO’s secretary general is huddling with Trump working to drive an end to the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 23, 20251 hr 36 min

NYT: Trump Demands $230M Settlement From DOJ For Past Cases

In her posthumously published memoir that hit shelves this morning, Virginia Giuffre exposes details of the horrors she endured at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein, his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and their powerful friends. Plus, President Trump is demanding $230 million from his own Justice Department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 22, 20251 hr 32 min

Comey’s Defense Team Moves To Dismiss Case In New Court Filings

From airlines to banks, Facebook and Starbucks, to baseball tickets, companies across the country and around the world are trying to get back to normal after serious issues took their websites and services offline. Plus, James Comey’s legal team launches several different efforts to get the charges against him thrown out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 21, 20251 hr 24 min

Trump Signals Interest In Trade Of Ukrainian Drones For U.S. Tomahawk Missiless

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

Oct 18, 20251 hr 24 min

Ex-Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton Indicted

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

Oct 17, 20251 hr 33 min

Trump, FBI Director Tout “Sweeping” Crime Crackdown

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

Oct 16, 20251 hr 24 min

News Outlets Broadly Reject Hegseth’s Pentagon Media Rules

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

Oct 15, 20251 hr 8 min

Ceasefire Deal Marks Historic Day

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

Oct 14, 20251 hr 24 min

Remaining 47 Hostages To Be Released Within 72 Hours

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

Oct 11, 20251 hr 33 min

Sources: DOJ Indicts Trump Adversary NY AG Letitia James

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

Oct 10, 20251 hr 29 min

Tensions Build On Capitol Hill As Shutdown Drags Into Day 8

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

Oct 09, 20251 hr 28 min

Republicans, Bondi Say Biden DOJ Used “’Double Standard”

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

Oct 08, 20251 hr 24 min

WH: Quick Hostage Release Will Create Momentum On Rest Of Deal

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

Oct 07, 20251 hr 23 min

Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentenced To 50 Months In Prison

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

Oct 04, 20251 hr 25 min

Trump Admin Vows To Fire Federal Workers, Cut Blue-State Funding

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

Oct 03, 20251 hr 23 min

White House: Federal Worker Layoffs Due To Shutdown “Imminent”

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/adchoices...

Oct 02, 20251 hr 23 min

Trump: “A Lot Of Good” Can Come From A Shutdown

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

Oct 01, 20251 hr 23 min

Sources: Qatari, Egyptian Officials Shared WH Plan With Hamas

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

Sep 30, 20251 hr 23 min
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