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
Appeals Court Rules Against Trump On Deportations
Moments ago in the Oval Office President Trump defended his defense secretary and says he wouldn’t oppose a new investigation into why highly sensitive details…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Claims “No Classified Info” Shared In War Plan Chat
President Trump is defending the top advisor who somehow added a journalist to a conversation about a looming military strike while his top intelligence…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Officials Discussed War Plans In Unclassified Group Chat
Shock, confusion, and a lot of anger in Washington after a journalist revealed he was added to a text chain with Trump administration officials who were…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Judge: Trump’s Use Of 1798 Act Has “Frightening” Implications
How far will a judge go in challenging the Trump Justice Department over the deportation flights? Did the planes takeoff against the judge’s order? Plus…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Signs Order Aimed At Dismantling Education Department
Trump takes a controversial step towards dismantling the Department of Education. We examine what this order aims to change and not change about education in…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
DOJ Granted One More Day To Hand Over Deportation Flight Data
The Trump administration is not backing off from attacking judges who rule against them. So, how far can and will President Trump go if he does not like a…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Astronauts Splash Down After Extended Stay In Space
Astronauts splash down off the coast of Florida, finally coming home after their week long mission in space became nearly a ten month stay on the International…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Hearing On Whether WH Defied Judge’s Deportation Order
A court battle just wrapped about whether the Trump White House violated a judge’s order when the Trump administration deported alleged gang members from the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Senate Dems Join With Republicans To Advance Govt Spending Bill
A vote on a stopgap funding bill which would avoid a government shutdown exposes a major fracture among congressional Democrats who are unhappy with how party…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump: Instructed Aide To Discuss “Concepts Of Land” With Russia
A top Trump administration official is in Moscow trying to get a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal closer to the finish line. President Trump says the progress is…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Canada Retaliates Against Trump With Tariffs On U.S. Imports
Tensions between the United States and European allies were on full display inside the Oval Office after President Trump promised to fight back even more after…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Says Market Selloff Doesn’t “Concern” Him
Trump threatens Canada with yet another tariff as markets go on another wild ride. Peter Navarro, a top trade advisor to Trump, joins to discuss what Trump’s…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Says Tariffs On Canada & Mexico “Could Go Up”
Markets plunge one day after Trump would not say whether he thinks the United States is headed for a recession. Plus, Musk says his platform X, formerly…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump On Tariffs: “There’ll Always Be Changes & Adjustments”
One day after easing most tariffs President Trump is now slapping northern neighbors with a new round. Plus, a reported explosive Trump cabinet meeting with a…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Republicans Warn About Uncertainty Around Trump’s Tariffs
First it was just auto imports, then it was tariffs on Mexico, now President Trump is saying all imports under the trade deal with Mexico and Canada are…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Delays Auto Tariffs On Mexico & Canada For One Month
After an urgent call with Canada’s prime minster and conversations with America’s big three carmakers, Trump is delaying auto tariffs only. But, what about…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Tonight: Trump’s First Address To Congress Since Returning To Power
A look at what to expect at Trump’s first address to Congress in his second term, including what special guests are expected to attend as well as who is…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump: Zelensky Should “Be More Appreciative”
Ukraine’s president says the war with Russia is far from over which ignited a stinging response from President Trump. We examine what this back and fourth…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Zelensky Leaves WH Early After Oval Office Shouting Match
A hostile meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office devolved into a shouting match. Now, so many…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump: Discussions With British PM “Tremendously Productive”
Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife are found dead in their home and police say circumstances are suspicious enough in nature to require an investigation…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
New Trump Admin Memo Lays Out Mass Firing Plans
The very first Cabinet meeting of Trump’s second term shows a noteworthy performance of Elon Musk. We examine what Elon Musk revealed about Trump telling him…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
WH Claims Unity On Musk’s Email Demand Despite Mixed Messages
Technology experts quit en mass from DOGE. Skilled workers who say they refuse to legitimize DOGE’s budget slashing actions and attempts to gain access to…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Macron: Any Peace Deal Must Be “Assessed, Checked, And Verified”
A look at the 500 billion dollar investment by Apple in a major expansion project for the tech company. Plus, a controversial hire by President Trump by…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Disabled Veteran Shares Emotional Story On Being Fired
On recess some Republicans got an earful from their constituents as Americans voice their concerns about a DOGE gone wild. Plus, a look at what went down in…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
VP Vance On Inflation: It’ll Take Time
One of Trump’s most controversial picks, Kash Patel, has been confirmed by the Senate to head the FBI. Plus, an up close look at Iranian drones. Also, Trump is…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Increases WH Control Of Independent Agencies
President Trump slaps Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with the title of “dictator” without applying the same label to Vladimir Putin. Plus, after some…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump’s Rush To Strike Deal Leaves Ukraine, Europe Scrambling
The United States and Russia just advanced their talks in how to end Russia’s war in Ukraine but they left out the leaders of Ukraine. Plus, who is really…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Delta Plane Flips Upside Down At Toronto Airport
At least 18 people were injured after a plane crash at Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Delta Air Lines flight with 80 people on board from…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Ukraine: Russian Drone Strikes Chernobyl Nuclear Plant
Vice President JD Vance delivers a speech few saw coming. He almost berated long time United States allies, accusing them of suppressing free speech and losing…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Aims For Massive Reciprocal Tariffs Despite Inflation Concerns
President Trump announced his plan today for even more tariffs saying it will benefit the United States in the long run even if it hurts your wallet in the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Says Putin Agreed To Start Talks On Ukraine
President Trump dishes on his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and then his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Plus, the price of eggs…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Fed Chair Takes Swipe At DOGE In Hearing Testimony
How far can the Trump administration go as the president engages in operation disruption? Plus, the battle between billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman, the…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Judge Extends Deadline For Federal Workers To Accept “Buyout” Offer
From layoffs to budget cuts, over and over judges are shutting Trump’s plan to overhaul the federal government. But, did his administration just hint at how it…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Lawsuit Seeks To Halt Trump’s Dismantling Of USAID
The sign outside USAID headquarters was taken down, scraped off one letter at a time. This as the Trump administration orders supervisors across the federal…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Judge Pauses Trump’s Federal Worker “Buyout” Offer
Are eggs safe to eat in the United Sates? When will egg prices finally stop climbing? And how worried do we need to be about bird flu? Plus, one of the richest…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Does Not Rule Out U.S. Troops In Gaza Takeover Plan
An onslaught of questions emerges for President Trump who suggested a takeover of Gaza. He called for U.S. troops to possibly move in and millions of…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump And Netanyahu Meet At White House
President Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst a critical time in the war as the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Moments Ago: Trump & Trudeau Spoke About Tariffs
President Trump just spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just minutes ago. With sweeping 25% United States tariffs on most Canadian products set…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Investigations Underway Into Cause Of Deadly Crash
New reporting today on the flight paths before the deadly collision that killed 67 people. How much does new surveillance video explain? And what went so…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Without Evidence, Trump Blames DEI For Deadly Collision
Search and rescue has turned into search and recovery in the Potomac River after a collision between an American Airlines jet and a United States Army Black…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
RFK Jr. Says He’s Not Anti-Vaccine, Despite Past Statements
The freeze on federal grants and loans has been rescinded after the Monday night memo confused so many Americans including congressional Republicans. Plus, a…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump’s Freeze On Federal Aid Money Takes Effect at 5PM ET
Nonprofits are lining up to sue the Trump administration after they pause federal funds and grants. The White House says Medicare, Medicaid, and Social…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Fires Justice Department Officials Who Investigated Him
The Trump administration kicks off week number two with two major overhauls. One, who gets to serve in the United States military. Two, who is in the United…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump Wants To Put Conditions On Disaster Aid For California
From the battered towns in North Carolina to the burned out neighborhoods in California, President Trump is touring damage on both coasts today but he is also…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Judge Blocks Trump’s Order Ending Birthright Citizenship
Months after losing their homes and belongings to Hurricane Helene, families are telling CNN they are still living in limbo unsure of how long the government…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Speaker Johnson Announces New Jan. 6 Committee
Just days after getting pardoned by Donald Trump, some January 6th defendants can soon return to the scene of the crime after being invited by a group of House…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Jan. 6 Rioters Released From Jail After Sweeping Trump Pardons
Criticism rises for President Trump’s sweeping pardons for January 6th criminals including those who violently attacked law enforcement officers. Some…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump’s Inauguration Moving Indoors Due To Brutal Cold
A major change of plans for the second inauguration of Donald Trump as plans for an outdoor swearing in have been scraped due to frigid cold temperatures…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Israeli Official: Cabinet To Vote On Ceasefire Deal Friday After Delay
A fragile plan is tentatively still in place as disagreements lead to a delay on the final vote for a ceasefire-hostage deal. We bring you new reaction this…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Hamas And Israel Agree To Ceasefire-Hostage Deal
Israel and Hamas have reached phase one of a hostage and ceasefire deal. The news was met with joyous celebrations in Gaza and at gatherings at hostage square…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Dangerous Winds Threaten To Spark New Fires In L.A.
New danger zones emerge in the Los Angeles area amid fears the dangerous winds are about to pick back up. Plus, lingering questions about the water supply in…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
L.A. District Attorney: Going To “Throw The Entire Book” At Criminals
Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging ceasefire deal. Plus, officials in Los Angeles are warning residents to make…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Now: At Least 6 Fires Torching Los Angeles County
More deaths and more property scorched as the relentless fires continue to burn in California. We are standing by to get updates from authorities. Plus, a…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Two Biggest California Wildfires Still 0% Contained
The biggest fire right now remains the Palisades Fire near Santa Monica, burning more than 17,000 acres. Today, officials are facing questions and criticism…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
At Least 2 Dead and Many “Significant Injuries” in L.A. Area Wildfires
Apocalyptic scenes across the Los Angeles area as four out-of-control, unconfined wildfires quickly sweep through this heavily populated region. Officials are…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Four Years After Capital Riot, VP Harris Certifies Trump Victory
An election win officially certified today. President-elect Donald Trump, one step closer to taking office again. January 6, today, nothing like January 6…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Mike Johnson Re-Elected Speaker of the House After Dramatic Vote
Protest votes before Mike Johnson is re-elected as House speaker. Message sent today by a handful of Republicans, but was it received? And in New Orleans…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
FBI: New Orleans Attacker Acted Alone
As Bourbon Street reopens and a major football game kicks off, new details emerge about the deadly New Years day terror attack that killed 14 people. We…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral Set For January 9
The tributes are pouring in to honor the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter who died yesterday at the age of 100. We bring you details of his…
- The Lead with Jake Tapper
U.S. Official: Russia May Have Mistaken Downed Jet For Ukrainian Drone
Delta Airlines is under major security scrutiny after a person with no ticket or boarding pass gets on a flight. This is the second time this has happened to…