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
Trump Won’t Commit to Taiwan Arms Sale
President Trump reveals his thoughts on the Reagan-era commitment to Taiwan making it sound less like an ironclad promise and more like ancient history. A look…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Xi Hails New Era in U.S.-China Relations But Warns Trump on Taiwan
Xi Jinping makes clear that the United States will pay a price for any interference in Taiwan. Hear what President Trump said ahead of his final meeting at the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Iran, Trade, Tech, Taiwan on Agenda for Trump-Xi Summit
President Trump is hours away from his face-to-face with Xi Jinping. A former White House insider joins to discuss their negotiations. Plus, a court overturns…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Sources: Trump Seriously Thinking of Restarting Combat Operations
President Trump heads to China while leaving a pile of problems behind him back at home in the United States. Issue number one is American wages getting eating…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
16 Passengers Under Observation in Nebraska Quarantine Unit
18 passengers on the cruise ship with the hantavirus outbreak are back home in the United States including one person experiencing symptoms. Plus, President…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Democrats Delivered Major Loss
CDC staff are now en route to that cruise ship with the hantavirus outbreak ready to escort Americans off and get them into a biocontainment unit in Nebraska…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
CENTCOM: U.S. Military Responded to “Unprovoked Iranian Attacks”
Multiple states are now monitoring Americans who may have been exposed to the hantavirus. Plus, the United States confirmed Iranian attacks in the Strait of…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Gets Revenge on Indiana Republicans Who Defied Him
The FBI raided the office and business belonging to one of the most powerful Democrats in Virginia politics. Plus, paying tribute to CNN founder Ted Turner who…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Hegseth: Ceasefire “Is Not Over” Despite Mutual Attacks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was front and center at the White House briefing room today where he underscored a new phase of the war with Iran. This as we…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Iran & U.S. Trade Shots, Iran Attacks UAE
A new threat from Trump as the United States shoots down more Iranian boats and Iran attacks the United Arab Emirates. Plus, did taxpayer money help keep…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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?…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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?…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Global Oil Prices Surge To $110 After Strikes On Energy Facilities
US billionaire President Trump insists the economic pain because of the war is only temporary. An oil executive who was in key meetings today joins. Plus, top…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Source: No Warning Sirens Ahead Of Strike That Killed 6 U.S. Troops
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin faced tough questions on Capitol Hill today during a confirmation hearing while trying to separate himself from Kristi…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Top U.S. Counterterrorism Official Resigns Over Iran War
Trump’s National Counterterrorism Center director resigned from his post today after saying that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States. This and…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Cuba’s Power System Suffers Total Collapse
After weeks of a United States oil blockade, Cuba’s electric grid suffered a total collapse. Also, as the war with Iran enters its third week, President Trump…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Judge Blocks Subpoenas In Jerome Powell Investigation
A federal judge just blocked subpoenas in the DOJ’s investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Plus, Iran ramps up strikes against ships in the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Iran’s New Supreme Leader Issues First Purported Message
Iran warns the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as a tool of pressure against the West amidst the ongoing war. Plus, two attacks on American soil today. One…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Israel Says It Has Begun “Large-Scale” Strikes In Beirut Suburbs
Projectiles hit four commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway where global oil traffic has been brought to a standstill by Iran. Learn more…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Pentagon: About 140 U.S. Service Members Wounded In Iran War
The United States has hit ten inactive mine laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz according to President Trump. This as Iran’s chokehold of the straight is…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Speaks As U.S. Launches New Strikes On Iran
President Trump holds a news conference as the war on Iran enters its second week with no clear end in sight. Plus, it seems increasingly probable the United…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
New Imagery Suggests U.S. Responsible For Iran School Strike
The United States and Israeli war against Iran has already seen the deaths of at least 1,200 Iranians which includes dozens of grade school girls, 6 U.S…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Hegseth: Firepower Over Iran About To Surge Dramatically
President Trump fired Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem after her two heated hearings this week that made him angry, sources say. Plus, updates on the United…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Senate Holds Initial Vote On Iran War Powers Resolution
The Joint Chiefs of Staff say that the United States will start striking progressively deeper into Iranian territory. It appears that Congress will not stand…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes Strand Travelers Across Middle East
The latest on the war with Iran. How stranded Americans can get out of the Middle East. As Trump pushes ahead in Iran, MAGA backlash grows. Homeland Secretary…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
War Spirals In Middle East After US And Israel Strike Iran
As the United States continues to carry out strikes against Iran, the war appears to be expanding with the United Kingdom confirming that its base in Cyprus…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Former President Clinton On Epstein: “I Did Nothing Wrong”
Former President Bill Clinton sat for a closed door deposition with the House Oversight Committee in regard to the panel’s investigation into dead pedophile…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
House Democrat: Bill Clinton Deposition Sets Precedent To Depose Trump
The two leaked photos that broke the rules. A Republican congresswoman snapped images during the closed door deposition of Hillary Clinton. Plus, a look at the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Democrats Bring Epstein Survivors To State Of The Union Address
More botched redactions, a high-profile name stepping back from his job, and depositions with the Clintons set to begin tomorrow. A look at the continuing…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Poll: Most Americans Say Trump Focused On Wrong Priorities
President Trump heads to the Capitol for his State of the Union address where he is expected to speak on his plans for the economy and for Iran. Plus, an…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Former British Ambassador To U.S. Arrested Amid Epstein Probe
Tens of millions of Americans are under storm warnings with some towns getting more than 30 inches of snow. Plus, United States citizens are urged to shelter…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
WH To Take Homan’s Minneapolis Immigration Playbook Nationwide
One day after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, police in the United Kingdom say the search of his former home will likely continue until Monday. Plus…