The Lead with Jake Tapper - Podcast on CNN Podcasts

CNN

CNN Podcasts

Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson, Surging Oil Prices, Former College Coach in Court and more
5 Things
Listen to
CNN 5 Things
Fri, Mar 6
New Episodes
How To Listen
On your computer On your mobile device Smart speakers
Explore CNN
US World Politics Business
showcast

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 Imagery Suggests U.S. Responsible For Iran School Strike The Lead with Jake Tapper
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. service members, and 10 Israeli citizens. Plus, the DOJ releases FBI interviews related to Trump sex abuse allegations.
Mar 7, 2026
Hegseth: Firepower Over Iran About To Surge Dramatically The Lead with Jake Tapper
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 States war on Iran.
Mar 6, 2026
Senate Holds Initial Vote On Iran War Powers Resolution The Lead with Jake Tapper
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 in the way as the Senate is taking an initial vote to rein in Trump’s Iran war powers.
Mar 5, 2026
Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes Strand Travelers Across Middle East The Lead with Jake Tapper
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 Noem defends Minneapolis ICE actions in combative Senate hearing. Voters in AR, NC and TX kick off high-stakes Midterm primaries. Plus, what we learned from the Clinton deposition videos and more.
Mar 4, 2026
War Spirals In Middle East After US And Israel Strike Iran The Lead with Jake Tapper
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 was hit.
Mar 3, 2026
Former President Clinton On Epstein: “I Did Nothing Wrong” The Lead with Jake Tapper
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 Jeffrey Epstein. The former president today said he only had a brief acquaintance with Epstein that ended years before his crimes came to light.
Feb 28, 2026
House Democrat: Bill Clinton Deposition Sets Precedent To Depose Trump The Lead with Jake Tapper
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 Pentagon’s ultimatum for the AI company Anthropic.
Feb 27, 2026
Democrats Bring Epstein Survivors To State Of The Union Address The Lead with Jake Tapper
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 steady stream of fallout from the release of the Epstein files.
Feb 26, 2026
Poll: Most Americans Say Trump Focused On Wrong Priorities The Lead with Jake Tapper
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 emotional plea in the search for Nancy Guthrie.
Feb 25, 2026
Former British Ambassador To U.S. Arrested Amid Epstein Probe The Lead with Jake Tapper
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 in place in Mexico after the killing of a cartel kingpin led to widespread violence.
Feb 24, 2026
Show more episodes