The Lead with Jake Tapper

Moments ago, a federal grand jury in the state of Maryland indicted ambassador John Bolton. He was formerly Trump's national security adviser. Plus, there are 19 days until Election Day 2025 and tonight is the first of two debates for New York City mayor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A judge blocks President Trump's planned layoffs of federal workers during the shutdown. Plus, at the White House, President Trump touted his administration's efforts to reduce violent crime. We examine if the statistics he is citing check out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Media organizations, including CNN and Fox News, refuse to sign the Pentagon's press access rule. Hear the latest on what the ultimatum was, which organizations refused to sign, and why.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After two years and six days of being in captivity and held by Hamas, the remaining living Israeli hostages cross the border. We bring you stories of Palestinian and Israeli families each reunited as President Trump hails a dawn of a new Middle East.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration is making good on its threat and are beginning the process of mass firings at multiple federal agencies. Plus, 19 people are missing in Tennessee after a power blast at a military explosives plant. Also, updates in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted this afternoon as President Trump's Justice Department continues to pursue charges against Mr. Trump's political adversaries. Plus, Israel's cabinet is meeting right now before they take a final vote on the ceasefire proposal from President Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The possibility of delayed paychecks gets more real after day eight of the federal government shutdown. Could some furloughed federal workers not get paid at all? Plus, Trump says Israel and Hamas have signed off on a “first phase” of a Gaza ceasefire deal.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attorney General Pam Bondi faced down some of her toughest critics on Capitol Hill but will this hearing and approach accomplish anything? Plus, will furloughed federal workers get backpay when the federal government reopens?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawsuits are flying left and right as the President tries to send in the National Guard into two major United States cities. How far will this legal showdown go? Plus, Trump's answer to what would happen if Hamas insists on staying in power.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no clear end in sight for the federal government shutdown now in day three. We examine what this means for the United States economy. Plus, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is sentenced to prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shutdown day two and neither side is budging. Democrats are signaling they will block a vote to reopen the government as federal workers wait to learn just how long this may go on. Plus, a look at how Trump's tariffs are effecting Halloween prices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are nearly one full day into the partial federal government shutdown and the political blame game is in full force. A vast majority of Democrats are insisting they will never vote for a clean funding bill that the Republicans have put up unless Republicans agree to tack on subsidies that would help Americans afford Obamacare coverage as well as reverse cuts to Medicaid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In hours the United States government will begin to shut down barring some sort of unexpected event. While no two shutdowns are the same, the Trump administration made clear that this shut down will be played using a totally different playbook.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A source now tells CNN that a new peace plan is now in the hands of Hamas in Gaza. Plus, new details on Trump's meeting with Capitol Hill leaders as the government now has just about 30 hours left to avoid a partial shutdown.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brand new details on the actual evidence that led the Justice Department to seek an indictment against former FBI director James Comey. We also look at the pressure being put on the Biden-appointed judge overseeing this case.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It turns out former FBI Director James Comey may not be the only Trump opponent who may face charges this week. Plus, brand new Epstein documents have been handed over to Congress.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former FBI director James Comey, a Trump political foe, will possibly face an indictment under Trump's Department of Justice. We examine how soon those charges could come and what they may be. Plus, new details on the deadly shooting today at a Dallas immigration facility.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump just flipped the script on Russia's war in Ukraine now saying Ukraine can win. Plus, a look at the response after President Trump ripped into world leaders at the United Nations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stunning new language from the White House that links children and autism to Tylenol when used by pregnant women. Plus, President Trump's message to his attorney general suggesting that she take action against his political opponents.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump indicated he is interested in ridding from the airwaves criticism, mockery, speech and speakers he doesn't care for. He is no longer only targeting comedians he doesn't like, now he is targeting network newscasts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did we just get a new veiled threat from the FCC chairmen today? President Trump also weighed in, suggesting that network licenses could be pulled if they air what he views as mostly negative coverage of him.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rupert Murdoch joins President Trump for his final night in London at a state banquet. Murdoch is facing a $20 billion lawsuit from that same President Trump over an article about Trump and the Epstein scandal. Plus, the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for the first time in months.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin appears in court for the first time as prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. A deluge of new information on the case was released today. Plus, FBI Director Kash Patel was pressed on a range of issues during an oversight hearing before the GOP-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FBI director reveals new details about evidence in the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Plus, what the Kremlin is saying about the chances of Russia ending its war against Ukraine. Also, the new deal announced to save TikTok.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 22-year-old has been captured and charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk. How a dinner conversation, a Discord group chat, and a dad help zero in on his arrest.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 latest details of this breaking news.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Gaza ceasefire talks so what does this mean for any hope for a ceasefire deal?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Court is allowing roving immigration patrols to continue in Los Angeles as the Trump administration launches a new operation in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 administration's finger pointing begins after the latest jobs report painted a rather bleak picture of the economy.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 White House has says they have issues with. Also, sources tell CNN Trump's DOJ is weighing banning transgender Americans from owning guns.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 time and why the Justice Department needs to reveal much more. Plus, what Trump is saying about a show of force from other world leaders.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, how big cities are trying to make big changes to keep with the growing force of nature.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 to get its hands on more Epstein records?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 turmoil at the CDC.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 11-year-old girl speaks with CNN about surviving the mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. We bring you the latest details from officials.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, accusing her of mortgage fraud. Plus, blocked highways and burning tires in Israel as Israeli protestors call for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 governors are pushing back. Plus, the former federal prosecutor who arranged the sweetheart deal for Jeffrey Epstein is now scheduled for questioning.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This afternoon, the Justice Department for the first time released information about Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's interview with Ghislaine Maxwell. In the interview she says she doesn't think Epstein died by suicide. She also downplays President Trump's involvement with Epstein.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 continues to pound Ukraine, killing even more civilians. Is the peace deal now going up in smoke?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 redraw the state's congressional maps. Also, an update on Hurricane Erin.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices