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


Episodes
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FBI Director Reveals New Details About Alleged Kirk Shooter

9/15/2025
The FBI director reveals new details about evidence in the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Plus, what the Kremlin is saying about the chances of Russia ending its war against Ukraine. Also, the new deal announced to save TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:32:38

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Utah Officials Urge Political Restraint After Kirk Killing

9/12/2025
A 22-year-old has been captured and charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk. How a dinner conversation, a Discord group chat, and a dad help zero in on his arrest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:23:28

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Manhunt Underway For Suspect In Charlie Kirk’s Killing

9/11/2025
FBI Director Kash Patel is now headed to Utah to help investigate the assassination of Trump ally Charlie Kirk as the manhunt for the suspect intensifies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:27:12

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Trump: Charlie Kirk Is Dead

9/10/2025
Trump ally, conservative activist, founder of Turing Point USA, Charlie Kirk, 31, has been shot and killed in an apparent assassination. We bring you the latest details of this breaking news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:50:49

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WH: Israeli Strike In Qatar Runs Counter To Trump’s Objectives

9/9/2025
President Trump is trying to distance himself from an Israeli strike in Qatar, which Israel claims targeted Hamas leaders. Qatar has been a key mediator in the Gaza ceasefire talks so what does this mean for any hope for a ceasefire deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:24:17

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House Cmte. Gets “Birthday Book,” Other Docs From Epstein Estate

9/8/2025
The infamous Epstein birthday book is now in the hands of Congress and the page allegedly from President Trump is now public. Plus, the United States Supreme Court is allowing roving immigration patrols to continue in Los Angeles as the Trump administration launches a new operation in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:24:03

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America’s Weak Jobs Report Flashes Warning Signs About The Economy

9/5/2025
The Wall Street Journal is reporting RFK Jr.’s plans to announce a link of Tylenol use during pregnancy to children with autism. Plus, the Trump administration's finger pointing begins after the latest jobs report painted a rather bleak picture of the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:23:50

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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