The Lead with Jake Tapper-logo

The Lead with Jake Tapper

CNN

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.

Location:

Washington, DC

Description:

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.

Twitter:

@theleadcnn

Language:

English


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Episodes
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Kennedy Struggles To Account For His Promise On Vaccine Access

9/4/2025
From shouting matches to RFK Jr. lying to senators, a look at key moments from today’s Capitol Hill hearing. Plus, a look at The Smithsonian exhibits that the White House has says they have issues with. Also, sources tell CNN Trump’s DOJ is weighing banning transgender Americans from owning guns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:23:34

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Trump Accuses Xi, Putin, Kim Of Conspiring Against U.S.

9/3/2025
Jeffrey Epstein trafficking and rape survivors have strong messages as they appear on Capitol Hill detailing what the pedophile did to ruin their lives for a time and why the Justice Department needs to reveal much more. Plus, what Trump is saying about a show of force from other world leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:24:29

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Congress Returns To Renewed Fight Over Epstein Files

9/2/2025
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

Duration:01:21:45

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Sources: Immigration Operation In Chicago Could Start This Week

9/1/2025
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

Duration:01:23:11

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Inside The Upheaval At FEMA From Staffer Put On Leave

8/29/2025
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

Duration:01:24:20

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Police: 116 Rifle Rounds Recovered In Minneapolis School Shooting

8/28/2025
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

Duration:01:24:35

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Police: 2 Children Killed, 14 Children & 3 Adults Hurt In Shooting

8/27/2025
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

Duration:01:22:55

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Lawyer: Fed Governor To Sue Over Trump’s Attempted Firing

8/26/2025
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

Duration:01:24:13

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House Oversight Committee To Interview Alex Acosta

8/25/2025
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

Duration:01:24:21

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DOJ Releases Audio, Transcript Of Maxwell Prison Interview

8/22/2025
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

Duration:01:25:42

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Soon: Texas Senate Expected To Pass Trump-Backed Map Favoring GOP

8/21/2025
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

Duration:01:29:03

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Target CEO Stepping Down As Sales Continue To Plunge

8/20/2025
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

Duration:01:23:46

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White House Says Putin Agreed To Meet Zelensky

8/19/2025
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

Duration:01:23:49

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Trump: “We'll Be Involved” In Ensuring Security For Ukraine

8/18/2025
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

Duration:01:22:19

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Tomorrow: Trump Meets Putin In Push For Ukraine Deal

8/14/2025
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

Duration:01:24:23

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Trump: Could Arrange Putin-Zelensky Meeting If Summit Goes Well

8/13/2025
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

Duration:01:23:40

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Hundreds Of Officers And Agents Deployed To DC

8/12/2025
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

Duration:01:24:00

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U.S. Officials Rush To Finalize Details Of Alaska Talks

8/11/2025
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

Duration:01:23:44

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Trump: Will Meet With Russia’s Putin “Very Shortly”

8/8/2025
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

Duration:01:40:27

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Major Companies’ Earnings Calls Reveal Impact Of Tariffs

8/7/2025
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

Duration:01:17:36