Podcast · 322 episodes
The Lead with Jake Tapper, page 11
by CNN Podcasts · English
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.
All episodes, page 11
Shutdown Will Extend To Next Week As Senate Leaves D.C.The Lead (Jake Tapper) covers escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions tied to alleged drug-boat strikes; a sprawling FBI probe into mafia-linked NBA gambling and sports rigging; Israel/West Bank…24 Oct 2025 · 1 h 24 min · 30 chapters
Federal Workers Line Up For Food Bank As Shutdown Hits Week 3The episode covers four main stories: (1) the White House East Wing demolition to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, with critics saying the president promised the addition wouldn’t touch or…23 Oct 2025 · 1 h 36 min · 37 chapters
NYT: Trump Demands $230M Settlement From DOJ For Past CasesPresident Trump demands about $230 million from the DOJ for damages tied to federal investigations and prosecutions against him; the episode also covers Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous Epstein memoir,…22 Oct 2025 · 1 h 32 min · 39 chapters
Comey’s Defense Team Moves To Dismiss Case In New Court FilingsThe episode of “The Lead” covers multiple breaking stories. Tech lead: a massive global outage traced to problems at Amazon Web Services (AWS) disrupted major sites and services, including airlines,…21 Oct 2025 · 1 h 24 min · 34 chapters
Trump Signals Interest In Trade Of Ukrainian Drones For U.S. Tomahawk MissilessCNN's lead DC anchor, Jake Tapper, discusses national and international news, politics, health, money, the environment, sports, and popular culture.18 Oct 2025 · 1 h 24 min
Ex-Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton IndictedCNN’s “The Lead” covers the federal indictment of former Trump national security adviser John Bolton, plus related reactions and commentary.17 Oct 2025 · 1 h 33 min · 30 chapters
Trump, FBI Director Tout “Sweeping” Crime CrackdownThe episode is a CNN “Breaking News” roundup focused on the Israel-Gaza ceasefire and hostage situation, then pivots to U.S.16 Oct 2025 · 1 h 24 min · 30 chapters
News Outlets Broadly Reject Hegseth’s Pentagon Media RulesNews Outlets Broadly Reject Hegseth’s Pentagon Media Rules15 Oct 2025 · 1 h 8 min
Ceasefire Deal Marks Historic DayJake Tapper (Phil Mattingly in for Jake Tapper)14 Oct 2025 · 1 h 24 min
Remaining 47 Hostages To Be Released Within 72 HoursThe episode covers multiple breaking news items led by the Trump administration beginning mass firings of federal workers during the government shutdown (“RIFs have begun,” reduction in force).11 Oct 2025 · 1 h 33 min · 39 chapters
Sources: DOJ Indicts Trump Adversary NY AG Letitia JamesIn this episode of *The Lead with Jake Tapper*, significant news is discussed surrounding the indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James as part of ongoing legal actions stemming from…10 Oct 2025 · 1 h 29 min
Tensions Build On Capitol Hill As Shutdown Drags Into Day 8This episode of The Lead focuses on two parallel crises: the U.S. federal government shutdown on day eight and fast-moving Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations.9 Oct 2025 · 1 h 28 min · 31 chapters
Republicans, Bondi Say Biden DOJ Used “’Double Standard”A contentious Senate oversight hearing where U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi faced Democrats’ accusations that the Trump administration is weaponizing the Justice Department, while Republicans argued…8 Oct 2025 · 1 h 24 min · 37 chapters
WH: Quick Hostage Release Will Create Momentum On Rest Of DealQuick Hostage Release Will Create Momentum On Rest Of Deal7 Oct 2025 · 1 h 23 min
Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentenced To 50 Months In PrisonThe episode discusses the sentencing of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs to 50 months in prison after being convicted on two federal felony charges related to engaging in prostitution.4 Oct 2025 · 1 h 25 min
Trump Admin Vows To Fire Federal Workers, Cut Blue-State FundingThe episode covers multiple breaking news stories, led by U.S. politics during day two of a government shutdown.3 Oct 2025 · 1 h 23 min · 34 chapters
White House: Federal Worker Layoffs Due To Shutdown “Imminent”Federal Worker Layoffs Due To Shutdown “Imminent”2 Oct 2025 · 1 h 23 min
Trump: “A Lot Of Good” Can Come From A ShutdownIn this episode, Jake Tapper discusses the impending shutdown of the U.S. government, highlighting the differing strategies between the Trump administration and Congress.1 Oct 2025 · 1 h 23 min
Sources: Qatari, Egyptian Officials Shared WH Plan With HamasIn this episode, Jake Tapper discusses two significant meeting events at the White House involving President Trump, the implications of a looming government shutdown, and critical developments in the…30 Sep 2025 · 1 h 23 min
Comey Faces Charges Of False Statements & ObstructionIn this episode of "The Lead," Jake Tapper discusses the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, the political implications of his charges, and the broader implications for justice…27 Sep 2025 · 1 h 24 min
Oversight Committee Obtains Epstein Flight Logs, Messages & MoreThe episode centers on whether the Justice Department will indict former FBI Director James Comey for alleged perjury to Congress about Russia investigation and the Clinton email probe; it also…26 Sep 2025 · 1 h 29 min · 33 chapters
Sources: Trump Admin Close To Deciding On Charging James ComeyThe episode centers on CNN’s “law and justice” and “breaking news” leads, focusing on potential political retaliation through the Justice Department and on recent political violence.25 Sep 2025 · 1 h 24 min · 35 chapters
Trump Shifts On Peace Deal, Urges Ukraine To “Fight And Win”The Lead episode covers: President Trump’s shift in messaging on Russia’s war in Ukraine after his UN address, including a Truth Social post saying Ukraine can “fight and win” and potentially regain…24 Sep 2025 · 1 h 25 min · 25 chapters
Experts Push Back At Trump Admin Over Autism & Tylenol LinkThe episode centers on a Trump administration announcement that pregnant people should limit or avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) due to a claimed link to autism, plus broader disputes about autism…23 Sep 2025 · 1 h 22 min · 33 chapters