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

Trump Rejects Latest Proposal From Iran

The price of US gas climbs to $4.39 and experts expect another spike this weekend. President Trump is “not satisfied” with a new Iranian proposal to end the war. The President also spoke to a crowd of senior citizens in Florida to promote his new “no tax on Social Security” plan. The Attorney General of Alabama pushes the Supreme Court to allow its 2023 congressional map. Former President Biden makes first 2026 endorsement by backing Kesha Lance Bottoms for Governor of Georgia. Plus, The Pentago...

May 02, 20261 hr 31 min

Hegseth Defends War Despite Polls

Experts explain why the price of gas is on the rise. Plus, the recent United States Supreme Court decision is already upending elections. Louisiana is now putting House races on hold one day after the Supreme Court invalidated the state’s congressional maps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 01, 20261 hr 34 min

Trump Confirms Call with Putin

A defiant Jerome Powell vows to stay as a Federal Reserve board member once his term as chairman ends next month. Plus, the decision from the Supreme Court that critics say chips away at the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 30, 20261 hr 30 min

Arrest Warrant Issued for Former FBI Director James Comey

For the second time in world history, a British monarch, King Charles III, went to Capitol Hill and addressed Congress. Topics ranged from climate change to NATO to the United Nations. Plus, former FBI Director James Comey is indicted for the second time in the past year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 29, 20261 hr 31 min

King Charles Begins High-Stakes Diplomatic Visit to U.S.

Britain's King Charles III met with Trump at the White House amid fraying United States and United Kingdom relations due to the Iran war. We bring you all the latest updates and planned events surrounding the monarch’s four-day state visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 28, 20261 hr 34 min

Report: Warnings About Epstein Abuse Went Unheeded by UK Police

A United States delegation is heading to Pakistan. But, will they get to meet face-to-face with a top Iranian official who is already there? Plus, a report alleges more Epstein crimes after Virginia Guiffre tried to sound the alarm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 25, 20261 hr 30 min

Trump Orders Navy to “Shoot & Kill” Mine-Laying Boats in Strait

President Trump tells the United States Navy to take out any Iranian boats placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, risking escalating tensions and causing oil prices to rise once again. Plus, a new investigation launched into the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 24, 20261 hr 30 min

WH: Trump Has “No Firm Deadline” for Iranian Peace Proposal

Iran is seizing ships as more talks are allegedly set for who knows when. Plus, a look at the fight for control of Congress in 2026 as Virginia voters side with Democrats and change the map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 23, 20261 hr 29 min

Trump: “I Expect to Be Bombing” if No Progress in Iran Talks

President Trump is now ordering the US military to hold off on any attacks and to keep up the blockade on Iranian ports. Plus, Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Reserve was grilled on Capitol Hill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 22, 20261 hr 30 min

Lori Chavez-DeRemer to Step Down as Labor Secretary

A ceasefire with Iran is about to expire so will we see more strikes? Plus, an apology from United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer tied to the Epstein files as he tries to quiet calls for him to resign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 21, 20261 hr 30 min

Trump: Iran Will Turn Over “Nuclear Dust”

Iranian sources dispute Trump’s claims that Iran has agreed to forfeit all of their “nuclear dust” to the United States in the current negotiations. Plus, a federal prosecutor was pulled from the case after he resisted pressure to charge one of Trump’s perceived political enemies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 18, 20261 hr 36 min

Pope Leo: “Woe to Those Who Manipulate Religion”

President Trump claims the United States has a lot of agreement with Iran. Also, according to police, former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia kills his wife and himself. Plus, nearly one week after splashdown we hear from the four astronauts who went to the far side of the moon and are now back on Earth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 17, 20261 hr 31 min

British PM Refuses to Join Iran War

President Trump’s new threat against the chair of the Federal Reserve. Plus, a second investigation has been launched into former congressman Eric Swalwell. Also, the International Monetary Fund is warning the Iran war could create a global shortage of oil and tip the world into a recession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 16, 20261 hr 30 min

How the War & U.S. Blockade Affect What We Buy

New criticism from President Trump as he takes issue with words from the Pope. Plus, two members of Congress are out of their jobs after getting engulfed in sex-related scandals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 15, 20261 hr 31 min

U.S. Navy Blockades Iranian Ports After Peace Talks Collapse

President Trump’s wild explanation for a fake AI image depicting him as Jesus. Plus, President Trump’s new threat to Iran. Also, Rep. Swalwell announced he plans to resign from Congress following explosive allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 14, 20261 hr 33 min

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Plummets to Record Low

President Trump’s new warning to Iran just one day ahead of peace talks set to begin tomorrow. Plus, one of the most critical moments of the Artemis II mission is just moments away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 11, 20261 hr 24 min

Melania Trump Calls on Congress to Hold Hearing for Epstein Victims

First lady Melania Trump delivers a surprise statement, saying the lies about her and Epstein must end. But, why is she making this statement now? Plus, Lebanon is bombarded by a series of new strikes from Israel. Will Netanyahu jeopardize the peace talks set to start in just days? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 10, 20261 hr 29 min

U.S.-Iran Ceasefire on Shaky Ground Amid Continued Attacks

The vice president is calling the two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran fragile. Today, Iranian state media reports that Iran has stopped oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz because, Iran says, Israel has carried out strikes on Lebanon after the start of the ceasefire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 09, 20261 hr 31 min

Trump: Iranian Civilization “Will Die” if Deal Isn’t Made by 8PM ET

We are hours away from President Trump’s deadline for Iran to make a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The President just told Fox News that the United States is in heated negotiations over the Iran war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 08, 20261 hr 36 min

Trump to Iran: Strike Deal, or Bridges & Power Will Be “Decimated”

President Trump hosted a new conference today that lasted nearly 90 minutes in which he wouldn’t say whether the war is winding down, calling it a “critical period” that depends on Iran’s actions. Plus, the Artemis II crew approaches the moon on their historic mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 07, 20261 hr 35 min

U.S. Searching for Crew Member After F-15 Downed in Iran

Iran’s military is now claiming that it has struck a second combat plane today. We bring you the latest details in the urgent search and rescue operation. Plus, CNN is learning from multiple sources that several Cabinet officials could be at risk of being fired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 04, 20261 hr 31 min

President Trump Fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General

Sources tell CNN that President Trump had a tough conversation with now former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Plus, hear from the head of one state election office vowing to take legal action against Trump’s crackdown on mail-in voting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 03, 20261 hr 31 min

AAA: CA Drivers Paying About $5.89 For Gas, Highest in U.S.

A brand new security alert for U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia warns that hotels, American businesses, and schools could quickly become targets. This as three key NATO allies cut off U.S. access to their bases for Iran operations. Also, the average gas price soars across the nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 01, 20261 hr 41 min

Status Of Diplomatic Talks Uncertain Amid Trump’s Shifting Goals

In the fifth week of the war with Iran, the White House says its four to six week timeline on Iran has not changed. So, is Operation Epic Fury almost over? CNN’s experts discuss where the situation stands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 31, 20261 hr 29 min

TSA Workers Miss Second Full Paycheck As DHS Shutdown Drags On

Plans are set into motion to pay TSA workers in a matter of days after a record number of them called out in a single day. Plus, breaking details about Tiger Woods being arrested on suspicion of DUI after a serious car crash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 28, 20261 hr 35 min

Trump Admin. Pushing for New Investigation Into Letitia James

President Trump says he is granting Iran a new extension, pausing the threatened strikes on Iranian power plants. Plus, what the President says about gas prices that keep going up. Also, a look at efforts to end the partial government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 27, 20261 hr 29 min

Sources: Iran Laying Traps For Potential U.S. Attack On Kharg Island

Sources say Iran is planting mines on Kharg Island before US troops possibly land there. When does the ongoing US troop buildup constitute boots on the ground? Our experts are standing by. Plus, two juries find Meta liable in lawsuits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 26, 20261 hr 30 min

Talks To Fund DHS Ramp Up As Airport Lines Grow More Unpredictable

The NTSB reveals new details about the fire truck that crashed with an Air Canada flight coming in for landing. Our aviation experts join with their analysis. Plus, the puzzling gift President Trump claims he received from Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 25, 20261 hr 30 min

Iran Denies Talks With U.S. As Trump Claims “Points Of Agreement”

New footage shows when an Air Canada plane collided with a firetruck on the runway leaving two pilots dead. Plus, ICE agents are now at 14 US airports as TSA workers call out or even quit. Also, President Trump claims the US has 15 points of agreement with Iran that could end the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 24, 20261 hr 13 min

Sources: Pentagon Considering Ground Troops To Take Kharg Island

TSA workers are calling out of work at near record levels causing massively long airport lines and it’s about to get much worse. Plus, the Pentagon is weighing deploying ground troops to Iran’s Kharg Island. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 21, 20261 hr 31 min
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