Shows / The Lead with Jake Tapper
The Lead with Jake Tapper
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.
Episodes
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Sources: Trump’s Top General Looking for a U.S. Off-Ramp from Conflict
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine has privately made clear to other top Trump advisers that the US needs to find an off-ramp from the war with Iran…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Senate Panel Votes to Hold Fauci in Contempt of Congress
Breaking with norms and straight down party lines, Republicans in the Senate vote to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt. Plus, foodborne outbreaks spread…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Democratic Primary
Michigan’s race for United States Senate is now set. Progressive Abdul El-Sayed wins the democratic primary and will now face off against former seven term…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Rep. Max Miller Under Pressure to Resign Amid Abuse Allegations
Pressure is mounting for Ohio Republican congressman and former White House aide Max Miller to end his congressional reelection bid amid allegations of…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Blanche Rescinds Anti-Weaponization Fund but Loopholes Remain
A look at what’s really in the deal that has two Republican Senate hold outs ready to sign off on Todd Blanche as attorney general. Plus, is President Trump…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Polls Sink; Trump: U.S. in “Golden Age”
The overwhelming surge then reversal at Spains border after tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco crossed into a small Spanish territory then went back…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
U.S. Economic Growth Slows to 1.5%; Inflation Stays High in June
CNN has learned that Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis privately met with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche this afternoon as his nomination…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
CNN Poll: Most Voters Unhappy with Trump on Iran War & Economy
A new CNN poll shows President Trump is under water on inflation, Iran, the economy, and even his job performance. Plus, a CNN special report on what is…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Israel Prepares Major Military Operation in West Bank
It’s been five months since the start of Trump’s war with Iran. This as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House today. Plus, the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Asks Supreme Court to Let Him Curtail Main-in Voting
President Trump today asked the Supreme Court to allow his administration to implement an executive order aimed at curbing mail-in voting. Plus, wildfires…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Officials Still Probing Cause of Cyclosporiasis in Nine States
Two preventable outbreaks spread and infect thousands of Americans. Measles cases in the United States just reached a 35-year high just as the massive…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Admin Announces Tariff on 60 Countries
A brand new tariff rollout happens at the White House after the US Supreme Court kicked their old plan to the curb. Plus, the Iran war widens. Learn more about…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
18 Days in Minnesota: Chaos & Coverups After Renee Good Killing
A CNN exclusive on the Renee Good and Alex Pretti killings, a look into what happened behind the scenes, how lying about violence committed by federal agents…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Senate Grills Hegseth & Caine as U.S. Ramps Up Attacks on Iran
A fiery hearing wraps up on Capitol Hill where lawmakers had tough questions for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
CENTCOM: New Round of U.S. Strikes on Iran Underway
A new warning from the president after the first U.S. death since the early days of the Iran war. A look at what could come next as the United States pumps…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Critics Warn Trump Speech Laid Groundwork to Challenge Midterms
The Trump administration pushes new narratives about election security, alleged foreign interference, and what could happen if states don’t use Trump’s way to…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump’s DNI Pick Clayton Questioned on Election Security
A new update from the White House about Trump’s address tonight. Plus, many Epstein survivors finally got to meet with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Tillis “Leaning Yes,” Cornyn Remains “Undecided” on Blanche
Two men audition for permanent top level roles in the Trump administration. Could enough wavering Republicans deny the nominations? Plus, the mayor of…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Source: ICE Pausing Most Traffic Stops After Deadly Shootings
No more traffic stops with ICE for now after agents shot and killed an unarmed man in Houston last week and now another one in Maine this week. Learn more…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
ICE-Involved Shooting in Maine Leaves One Man Dead
Another fatal shooting involving ICE agents occurred today in Maine. The shooting comes just days after an ICE agent fatally shot a Mexican immigrant during a…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Is The Trump Administration Telling The Truth About The Latest Deadly ICE Shooting?
New questions about what really happened in the moments before ICE agents killed a Mexican national in Texas, and now local officials are calling for a formal…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Covering Conflict: Strikes, Politics, and the Global Stage
Tensions escalate as the US-Iran border heats up. Get the latest updates on this volatile situation, featuring exclusive insights and on-ground reporting from…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
CENTCOM: U.S. Striking Iran at Trump’s Direction
The United States military is again striking Iran as the remains of the ceasefire appear to be crumbling. US Central Command is saying these strikes were at…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Woman Who Dated Graham Platner Says He Raped Her in 2021
Two women speak with CNN to allege violent experiences with Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner. Planter denies the allegations and shows no signs…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump’s Red Card Phone Call Stirs Political Storm Around World Cup
President Trump gets FIFA to reverse a decision that banned a player from team USA, igniting questions about integrity of the tournament. Plus, new disturbing…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
DC’s Capitol Fourth Concert Expected to Go On Despite Heat Wave
Cancelled parades, delayed fireworks, and even the Great American State Fair put on hold all because of dangerous heat not letting up. Learn more about your ad…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Philadelphia Declares Heat Health Emergency, Shortens July 4 Parade
The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool vandalism case reaches a new level after an Olympic canoeist is indicted by a grand jury and now faces a felony charge of…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Takes First Flight on Qatari-Gifted Air Force One
From cryptocurrency to real estate to watches and bibles, President Trump is cashing in on his presidency, making more than $2 billion last year. Plus…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Supreme Court: States May Ban Trans Athletes in Sports for Girls
In a consequential day at the Supreme Court, President Trump tees up a legislative fight after losing his birthright case which guarantees that children born…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Supreme Court: Trump Can Fire FTC Commissioner but Not Fed Gov.
President Trump brags about his win at the Supreme Court today on federal firings and goes off about the other cases that he lost. We break down the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Death Toll in Venezuela, Now Closer to 1,000
The devastation is getting worse two days after powerful earthquakes in Venezuela and more than 300 aftershocks. Help is on the way, but can it arrive fast…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Search and Rescue Underway After Venezuela Quakes Kill at Least 188
Two strong earthquakes in Venezuela just seconds apart leave the country in shock. The death is regrettably rising as rescuers from around the world are…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Sen. Scott to Trump: Voting Bill Does Not Have Enough Support
President Trump throws a last minute grenade into what was supposed to be a major bipartisan victory on housing affordability legislation. Plus, a sweeping…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Falsely Claims Stock Markets Hit New High Today
Artificial intelligence has rattled a nerve, driving a major tech selloff on Wall Street just as President Trump falsely claimed the stock market hit a new…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Soon: Rubio Heads to Middle East to Meet with Gulf Allies
After direct talks with Iran, Vice President JD Vance is heading home and Secretary Rubio will now head to the region. A look at what he hopes to accomplish…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Israel, Hezbollah Renew Ceasefire After Conflict Nearly Derailed U.S.-Iran Talks
The new Air Force One is a luxury jet donated by the government of Qatar and is expected to enter service soon. What CNN is learning about how the military…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
White House Defends Iran Agreement Amid Criticism
New CNN reporting about secret proposals between the United States and Iran as the two sides officially begin 60 days of negotiations. These plans go beyond…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
U.S. Releases Official Text of 14-Point Agreement with Iran
Confusion and frustration on Capitol Hill after President Trump forced his own pick for director of national intelligence to skip his confirmation hearing…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Five Charged in Alleged Plot Against White House UFC Fight
Five men are in custody after the FBI said it foiled a plot to attack the UFC fight night event at the White House on Sunday. The plan allegedly included using…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
VP JD Vance Joins to Discuss Iran Agreement
As questions mount about what exactly is in the Iran agreement, Vice President JD Vance joins to try and clear up any confusion. Plus, former Vice President…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
America’s Largest Energy Hub is Running Out of Oil
According to a senior administration official, the Trump administration is feeling good about its dealings with Iran. So, what’s holding up the next stage?…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Taps U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for Top Intelligence Post
President Trump claims, yet again, that a new deal with Iran is just days away. Did two nights of strikes actually lead to a breakthrough? Plus, the World Cup…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
NYT: Inside White House Crisis Meetings Over the Epstein Files
One of the richest men in the world took questions today about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. This as the New York Times is revealing a freakout at the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Says Pilots Safe After Apache Shot Down Near Hormuz
Trump says Iran shot down a United States Army Apache helicopter and says the United States must respond. Is this the start of yet another major escalation?…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Iran & Israel Halt Attacks as Strikes Test Peace Talks
Israel and Iran are suspending military operations against each other after a wave of strikes exchanged overnight. Plus, a look at the upcoming election in…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
WSJ: Trump Urges Pulte to Start Firing Intel Employees
A shakeup is coming to some of the nation’s biggest spy agencies and the man doing the firing will be Bill Pulte, a controversial Trump loyalist that the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Bondi Transcript: Blanche “In Charge” of Entire Release of Epstein Files
The transcript is out revealing exactly what Pam Bondi told lawmakers about the Epstein files and how she passed the buck to the man President Trump wants to…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Scott Kelley Fried by CBS After Clash with Management
CBS fires journalist Scott Pelley from 60 Minutes and there’s continued disagreement about what occurred. Plus, is powering the artificial intelligence boom…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Taps a Leader of Retribution Tour as Acting Intel Chief
From a role in housing to the acting director of national intelligence, reactions pour in about Trump selecting a loyalist with no demonstrated national…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
DOJ Says it Will Abide by Court Ruling to Pause “Anti-Weaponization” Fund
The Trump administration now says it will abide by a court ruling to pause the creation of a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate those who the administration…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Source: Bondi Answered Questions on Ghislaine Maxwell in Interview
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi defended her role in the release of the Epstein files in a closed door interview. A look at what she in the room about…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
U.S. & Iran Reach Deal to Open Strait, Trump Must Still Sign Off
A series of strikes from the United States and Iran as a tentative agreement emerges to open the Strait of Hormuz and start nuclear talks, according to US…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump’s GOP Purge Continues as Paxton Ousts Sen. Cornyn
A slew of ads and attacks from the Republican establishment over the past year and a half against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are all gone now that…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Backing Paxton Over Sen. Cornyn Tests His Grip on GOP
Will a Trump-backed candidate unseat Republican Senator John Cornyn in Texas? We go live to Texas as the voters decide. Plus, Iran warns of retaliation after…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
U.S. Iran Work to Resolve Disputes on Nuclear Issues & Sanctions
Sources say the White House is optimistic about a deal to end the war with Iran despite disputes about the country’s nuclear program. Plus, John Cornyn and Ken…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump and Republicans Clash Over “Anti-Weaponization” Fund
The president is at odds with growing pushback even from Republicans over his fund to compensate those who feel wronged by the federal government. Plus, Tulsi…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
First Anti-Weaponization Fund Applicant Speaks to CNN
From legitimate cases of grievance, to January 6 rioters, to election deniers, to even a television network. Many come forward claiming they were wronged by…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Sen. Cassidy Bucks Trump on Iran, Ballroom after Primary Defeat
The United States announces new charges against Raúl Castro, brother of Fidel Castro. He is charged for his role in the 1996 killing of three Americans in…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
First Claim Filed to “Anti-Weaponization” Fund
President Trump, his family, and his businesses are now all protected under new terms added in a settlement with the Treasury Department, the Justice…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Police: Three Adults Killed in San Diego Mosque Shooting
Authorities in San Diego provide updates on a deadly shooting at the largest mosque in San Diego. This as a source tells CNN a security guard was among the…