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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.

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 line. Plus, is there truly a deal to save TikTok in the United States?
Jul 1, 2025
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 made by the court today. Plus, Senate Republicans say they will vote on Trump’s massive policy bill in the next 24 hours.
Jun 28, 2025
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 degree, on Trump’s agenda bill.
Jun 27, 2025
President Trump continues to insist the United States destroyed Iran’s nuclear sites. Also, President Trump attacks journalists, and singled out CNN, for reporting the news. Plus, Democratic socialist Zohran Mamadani is poised to win the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. The formal outcome won’t be known until at least July 1, when New York City releases the initial ranked-choice results.
Jun 26, 2025
According to an early US intelligence assessment, the United States strikes on Iran did not destroy their nuclear sites. Instead, only setting back their program by months. The White House is strongly pushing back tonight. What does this all mean for the next steps in the region?
Jun 25, 2025
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 Israeli military has issued a new evacuation warning for Tehran. Plus, oil prices have dropped and stocks have risen following Iran’s intercepted strike on a U.S. base.
Jun 24, 2025
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 Iran. Plus, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has been released after spending over three months at a detention center.
Jun 21, 2025
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 next two weeks. This as the White House claims Iran has never been closer to having a nuclear weapon. CNN has teams on the ground at the White House, in Iran, and in Israel.
Jun 20, 2025
Moments ago President Trump wrapped up his meeting with his top security officials after telling CNN that he has not yet made a final decision on whether or not the US should strike Iran. A top Democrat and top Republican join live to discuss what that military response might look like.
Jun 19, 2025
The President just wrapped up a meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room as he calls for Iran’s unconditional surrender. This as officials say Trump is warming to the idea of using United States assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.
Jun 18, 2025