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
Manhunt Underway For Suspect In Charlie Kirk’s Killing
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump: Charlie Kirk Is Dead
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
WH: Israeli Strike In Qatar Runs Counter To Trump’s Objectives
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
House Cmte. Gets “Birthday Book,” Other Docs From Epstein Estate
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
America’s Weak Jobs Report Flashes Warning Signs About The Economy
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Kennedy Struggles To Account For His Promise On Vaccine Access
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Accuses Xi, Putin, Kim Of Conspiring Against U.S.
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Congress Returns To Renewed Fight Over Epstein Files
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Sources: Immigration Operation In Chicago Could Start This Week
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Inside The Upheaval At FEMA From Staffer Put On Leave
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 Lead with Jake Tapper
Police: 116 Rifle Rounds Recovered In Minneapolis School Shooting
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Police: 2 Children Killed, 14 Children & 3 Adults Hurt In Shooting
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Lawyer: Fed Governor To Sue Over Trump’s Attempted Firing
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
House Oversight Committee To Interview Alex Acosta
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
DOJ Releases Audio, Transcript Of Maxwell Prison Interview
This afternoon, the Justice Department for the first time released information about Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s interview with Ghislaine Maxwell…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Soon: Texas Senate Expected To Pass Trump-Backed Map Favoring GOP
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Target CEO Stepping Down As Sales Continue To Plunge
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
White House Says Putin Agreed To Meet Zelensky
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump: “We'll Be Involved” In Ensuring Security For Ukraine
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Tomorrow: Trump Meets Putin In Push For Ukraine Deal
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump: Could Arrange Putin-Zelensky Meeting If Summit Goes Well
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Hundreds Of Officers And Agents Deployed To DC
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
U.S. Officials Rush To Finalize Details Of Alaska Talks
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump: Will Meet With Russia’s Putin “Very Shortly”
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Major Companies’ Earnings Calls Reveal Impact Of Tariffs
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…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Army: Suspected Gunman’s Motive Is Still Unknown
Key new details about the suspect accused of shooting five soldiers at Fort Stewart earlier today. An Army sergeant is in custody after he allegedly used his…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Pushes Conspiracy Theory About A “Rigged” Job Report
President Trump is pressed on whether Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell is credible as CNN learns the White House is debating releasing a transcript of…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
TX Gov Orders Arrest Of Absent Democratic Lawmakers
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has just ordered the arrest of state Democrats who skipped town and didn’t show up for today’s special session. How long can those…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Tariffs, Fed Vote, Jobs & More: Major Week For U.S. Economy
President Trump announces a slew of new tariffs. Also, President Trump deploys two nuclear submarines after what he calls provocative statements by Russia’s…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump’s Tariff Arguments Met With Skepticism From Appeals Court
President Trump is pushing ahead with a slew of new tariffs but will his biggest deals yet come down to the 11th hour? Plus, an attorney behind the case…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Kamala Harris Will Not Run For California Governor
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi each join to discuss the Epstein files, Medicaid cuts, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and more…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Searching for Answers About the Manhattan Mass Murders
The investigation into the deadly New York City office building. With new details about the gunman's weapon, his suicide note, and how surviving employees hid…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Disputes Netanyahu’s Claim Of No Starvation In Gaza
With images of emaciated, dying children and Palestinians fighting for food, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu falsely stated there is no starvation in…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Gaza Death Tolls Rising Due To Starvation
Tens of thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, calling on the Netanyahu government to end the mass starvation of the Palestinian people in Gaza as new…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Tours Federal Reserve Renovations With Fed Chair
As Trump’s Jeffrey Epstein problem keeps growing, today he dispatched his deputy attorney general to Florida to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Judge Denies DOJ Request To Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Docs
A slew of new details emerge in the Jeffrey Epstein case just as a judge declines to release some grand jury documents from the criminal investigation. CNN has…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Has A Chance To Pursue Justice In Epstein Scandal
The Justice Department today says they want to speak with Ghislaine Maxwell, the once girlfriend and associate of pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
White House Punts To DOJ On Releasing More Epstein Files
Trump shows fake clips of President Obama in handcuffs and calls for the Washington Commanders to change their name back to the Redskins or else. Is operation…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Filing Libel Lawsuit Over WSJ Report
Attorney General Pam Bondi, at the direction of President Trump, asked a federal judge to unseal grand jury testimony related to the prosecution of accused sex…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
WH Faces Growing Criticism Over Handling Of Epstein Case
Senate Republicans shut down debate over controversial judicial nominee Emil Bove leading Democrats on that panel to walk out. The walkout left Democrats…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Dodges Appointing Special Counsel To Investigate Epstein
President Trump is frustrated by supporters’ continued demand to see the files on pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Today he called those…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump On Epstein Files: Bondi Can Release What She Finds Credible
President Trump is attempting a course correction on the controversy relating the DOJ’s Jeffrey Epstein memo by sharing conspiracy theories. House Speaker Mike…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Sources: Bongino Returns To Work At FBI; Unclear If He Will Resign
President Trump is picking sides after a heated blowup over the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein pedophile case. What is going on at the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Unanswered Questions Over What Officials Did During Critical Hours
The number two at the FBI is telling people that he might resign over the Epstein scandal. Plus, moments ago President Trump was on the ground in central Texas…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Flash Floods In New Mexico Town Kill At Least Three People
Federal judges on the district level can no longer issue nationwide injunctions for the Supreme Court but they can certify class action lawsuits against the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
At Least 119 Dead, Estimated 160 Missing In Catastrophic TX Flooding
A look at the desperate search into the Texas floods as CNN learns new information about officials coordinating the emergency response. Plus, Sen. Thom Tillis…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Gov. Abbot Reports Number Of Missing Dramatically Rises To 161
The death toll in Texas is rising as well as the number of missing persons after deadly flooding. We bring you the latest from the ground in Texas as officials…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
At Least 95 People Killed In Catastrophic Texas Floods
Texas is bracing for even more rain as rescuers are desperately searching for survivors after catastrophic flash floods in central Texas that began Friday…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Hamas Submits “Positive Response” To Ceasefire In Major Step
Of the 50 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza, the proposal calls for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 deceased during the ceasefire. On the first day…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
House Passes Trump Megabill Despite Concerns Over Medicaid Cuts
After hours of debate and last minute deals, House Republicans pass their massive agenda bill. What did GOP leaders promise holdouts to get this across the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Judge Denies Bail, Cites Combs’ Violence Towards Former Girlfriends
Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music mogul, will remain behind bars until his sentencing, a judge ruled today. This after a jury found Combs not guilty on the three…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Jury Reaches Partial Verdict In Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial
A partial verdict is reached as jurors are in agreement in four of the five charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Both the defense and the prosecution tell the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
GOP’s Willis: Senate Bill Breaks Trump’s Promise On Medicaid
We are closely following Capitol Hill where Senate Republicans are trying to make various deals in order to get Trump’s domestic policy bill past the finish…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Supreme Court Limits Ability Of Judges To Stop Trump
In a major win for President Trump, the Supreme Court limits the power of lower courts to block Trump’s agenda. That wasn’t the only controversial decision…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump: “Hope” Congress Can Pass Agenda Bill By July 4
CNN has new reprint on efforts to bring Iran to the negotiating table for nuclear talks. Plus, Republicans are forced to go back to the drawing board, to a…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Maintains U.S. Strikes Destroyed Iran Nuclear Program
President Trump continues to insist the United States destroyed Iran’s nuclear sites. Also, President Trump attacks journalists, and singled out CNN, for…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Lashes Out Against Israel, Iran Amid Fragile Ceasefire
According to an early US intelligence assessment, the United States strikes on Iran did not destroy their nuclear sites. Instead, only setting back their…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Missiles Fired From Iran Toward U.S. Base in Qatar Intercepted
President Trump has just weighed in on Truth Social regarding Iran’s attempted retaliation for the U.S. strike on its nuclear facilities this weekend. The…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Massive Crowds Of Protesters Gathered In Tehran
Talks between European and Iranian officials just wrapped up and Iran says diplomacy could easily be achieved if President Trump tells Israel to stop striking…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Israel: At Least 271 Hospitalized After Iranian Strikes
After days of keeping the world guessing whether the United States will take military action against Iran, President Trump now says he will decide within the…