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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.

New Photos From Epstein Estate Show Trump, Bill Clinton & Others The Lead with Jake Tapper
Trump, Bannon, Clinton, and Gates are just some of the men seen in new photos linked to the dead pedophile Jeffery Epstein. A look at why Democrats on the House Oversight Committee call the images significant. Plus, stunning details behind the arrest of former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore.
Dec 13, 2025
Senate Rejects Health Care Bills As Obamacare Deadline Looms The Lead with Jake Tapper
Can a majority in a deeply divided Congress agree on a health care fix before the deadline in less than three weeks when premiums for millions of Americans could go up drastically?
Dec 12, 2025
Trump: U.S. Seized Oil Tanker Off Coast Of Venezuela The Lead with Jake Tapper
Two healthcare votes are set to fail tomorrow as the deadline to save Americans from skyrocketing premiums tics even closer. Is there any hope for a bipartisan deal before the end of the year? Plus, a substantial escalation in the U.S. conflict against Venezuela.
Dec 11, 2025
Australia Social Media Ban Takes Effect For Teens Under 16 The Lead with Jake Tapper
Children in Australia are waking up now blocked from their social media accounts after the country passed a world first social media ban for kids under 16-years-old. Could this be the first domino in a global trend? Plus, President Trump is minutes away from a major speech on the economy.
Dec 10, 2025
Trump On Paramount’s Hostile Bid: “I Don’t Know Enough About It” The Lead with Jake Tapper
One of the biggest brands in media is making an aggressive pitch to own Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. A look at why this mattes with tech journalist Kara Swisher. Plus, a Senate race shakeup in Texas.
Dec 9, 2025
FIFA Awards Trump Its New “FIFA Peace Prize” The Lead with Jake Tapper
President Trump is setting the stage for the one of the biggest sporting events on the globe — the 2026 World Cup. Somehow, he has earned himself a peace prize in the process. Plus, did the US Supreme Court just create a rush to redraw congressional maps mid decade nationwide?
Dec 6, 2025
2021 DC Pipe Bomb Suspects Arrested, Facing Explosives Charges The Lead with Jake Tapper
It was the grainy video that spurred conspiracy theories for years and now the FBI says they finally know who put those pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters.
Dec 5, 2025
Sen. Paul: “Buck Stops” With Hegseth On Follow-Up Boat Strike The Lead with Jake Tapper
A Pentagon watchdog points fingers at Pete Hegseth and sources say that the inspector general report finds that he risked endangering the lives of US troops by sharing sensitive war plans in a Signal group chat. Plus, chilling new footage from Jeffrey Epstein’s private island.
Dec 4, 2025
Trump Says Strikes On Land To Start In Venezuela “Soon” The Lead with Jake Tapper
President Trump appears to doze off during his own cabinet meeting while just minutes earlier we learn new details about that second follow-up strike on the suspected drug boat. Plus, as many Americans are struggling with the cost of living, Donald Trump says that any questions about affordability are a Democratic scam.
Dec 3, 2025
WH Confirms Follow-Up Strike On Alleged Drug Boat The Lead with Jake Tapper
President Trump and his top national security officials meet behind closed doors about the next steps for Venezuela. This comes as lawmakers from both parties are raising grave concerns about a follow-up strike on an alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean where the US military killed survivors of the first strike.
Dec 2, 2025
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