The Lead with Jake Tapper

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CNN's chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper, hosts this hourlong weekday afternoon program, which mixes Tapper's interests with headlines from around the country and the world, headlines that span politics, money, sports and popular culture. "The Lead" also concentrates on bringing stories tha…

CNN


    • Mar 21, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 2m AVG DURATION
    • 1,701 EPISODES

    3.6 from 1,473 ratings Listeners of The Lead with Jake Tapper that love the show mention: journalist, administration, miller, commercials, reporting, trump, president, sides, fair, lead, asks, hate, facts, news, truth, watch, interview, smart, questions, keep up the great.


    Ivy Insights

    The The Lead with Jake Tapper podcast is an excellent source of news and analysis for those who want to stay informed about current events. Jake Tapper, a professional journalist, brings a refreshing approach to reporting, focusing on the truth and holding politicians accountable for their actions.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Tapper's dedication to uncovering the truth. He does not shy away from calling out politicians, regardless of their party affiliation, when they are being untruthful or misleading. This commitment to journalistic integrity is commendable and ensures that listeners receive accurate information.

    Another positive aspect of this podcast is Tapper's clear and concise communication style. He presents the news in a way that is easy to understand, making complex topics accessible to all listeners. His pace and clarity are highly appreciated, as they allow for efficient consumption of information without sacrificing accuracy.

    On the other hand, one potential downside of the podcast is the occasional presence of biased commentary. While Tapper strives to remain impartial, there may be instances where his personal opinions come through in his reporting. This can be off-putting for some listeners who prefer a completely neutral perspective.

    In conclusion, The Lead with Jake Tapper podcast provides valuable insights into current events with its focus on truth and accountability. Although there may be instances where bias seeps into the reporting, overall it offers a reliable and informative source of news analysis. For those looking for a well-rounded understanding of current affairs without sacrificing clarity or accuracy, this podcast is worth listening to.



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    Latest episodes from The Lead with Jake Tapper

    Sources: Pentagon Considering Ground Troops To Take Kharg Island

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 91:03


    TSA workers are calling out of work at near record levels causing massively long airport lines and it's about to get much worse. Plus, the Pentagon is weighing deploying ground troops to Iran's Kharg Island.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Global Oil Prices Surge To $110 After Strikes On Energy Facilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 89:59


    US billionaire President Trump insists the economic pain because of the war is only temporary. An oil executive who was in key meetings today joins. Plus, top intelligence officials were back on Capitol Hill today, pressed about the biggest threats facing the US.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Source: No Warning Sirens Ahead Of Strike That Killed 6 U.S. Troops

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 93:54


    Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin faced tough questions on Capitol Hill today during a confirmation hearing while trying to separate himself from Kristi Noem, the DHS chief just fired by President Trump. Plus, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard pressed on the underlying evidence, or lack thereof, behind the war with Iran.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Top U.S. Counterterrorism Official Resigns Over Iran War

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 90:07


    Trump's National Counterterrorism Center director resigned from his post today after saying that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States. This and the latest in Trump's war in Iran.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Cuba's Power System Suffers Total Collapse

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 90:25


    After weeks of a United States oil blockade, Cuba's electric grid suffered a total collapse. Also, as the war with Iran enters its third week, President Trump is criticizing US allies who say they do not want to be pulled into the conflict.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Judge Blocks Subpoenas In Jerome Powell Investigation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2026 99:59


    A federal judge just blocked subpoenas in the DOJ's investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Plus, Iran ramps up strikes against ships in the Strait of Hormuz.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Iran's New Supreme Leader Issues First Purported Message

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 103:42


    Iran warns the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as a tool of pressure against the West amidst the ongoing war. Plus, two attacks on American soil today. One at Old Dominion University that the FBI now says is being investigated as act of terrorism inspired by ISIS. Another attack at a Detroit area synagogue.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Israel Says It Has Begun “Large-Scale” Strikes In Beirut Suburbs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 89:51


    Projectiles hit four commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway where global oil traffic has been brought to a standstill by Iran.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Pentagon: About 140 U.S. Service Members Wounded In Iran War

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 89:27


    The United States has hit ten inactive mine laying boats near the Straight of Hormuz according to President Trump. This as Iran's chokehold of the straight is becoming more dire by the day.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump Speaks As U.S. Launches New Strikes On Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 100:23


    President Trump holds a news conference as the war on Iran enters its second week with no clear end in sight. Plus, it seems increasingly probable the United States killed at least 192 students and teachers at an Iranian school.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    New Imagery Suggests U.S. Responsible For Iran School Strike

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 89:36


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

    Hegseth: Firepower Over Iran About To Surge Dramatically

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 101:35


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

    Senate Holds Initial Vote On Iran War Powers Resolution

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 90:52


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

    Iran's Retaliatory Strikes Strand Travelers Across Middle East

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 90:44


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

    War Spirals In Middle East After US And Israel Strike Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 94:59


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

    Former President Clinton On Epstein: “I Did Nothing Wrong”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 89:48


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

    House Democrat: Bill Clinton Deposition Sets Precedent To Depose Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 98:23


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

    Democrats Bring Epstein Survivors To State Of The Union Address

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 90:21


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

    Poll: Most Americans Say Trump Focused On Wrong Priorities

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 87:52


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

    Former British Ambassador To U.S. Arrested Amid Epstein Probe

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 88:34


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

    WH To Take Homan's Minneapolis Immigration Playbook Nationwide

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 64:35


    One day after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, police in the United Kingdom say the search of his former home will likely continue until Monday. Plus, the Supreme Court deals a major blow to Trump's economic agenda.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ex-Prince Andrew Arrested After Epstein Files Revelations

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 90:18


    New images of former Prince Andrew appear to show him duck from cameras. The journalist who conducted the damning 2019 interview with Andrew about his alleged ties with dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein joins. Plus, more revelations in the Epstein files this time entangling two Harvard University researchers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Europe Struggles To Define What Comes After Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 90:00


    Les Wexner, the billionaire behind Victoria's Secret, once named as a secondary unindicted co-conspirator in the Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking case with notes that there was limited evidence of his involvement, testified today in a congressional deposition.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Remembering Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 90:14


    New tributes for civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, a two time presidential candidate who paved the way for so many progressives and African Americans who came after him. Plus, DNA on a glove found two miles from the home of Nancy Guthrie does not match anyone in the FBI's criminal database.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    DOJ Letter To Congress Lists Hundreds Of Prominent People Named In Epstein Files

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 88:16


    More members of the royal family are wrapped up in the Epstein files. Plus, the glove that could give investigators a new break into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Also, tracing the toxin that was used to kill Alexei Navalny, one of Vladimir Putin's most vocal critics.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty To Charges From Church Protest

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2026 89:58


    Independent journalist and former CNN anchor Don Lemon plead not guilty this afternoon to federal charges filed after he live streamed a demonstration inside a church in Minnesota last month. Plus, a look at Kathy Ruemmler's resignation from Goldman Sachs amid fallout from the Justice Department's release of millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Sheriff: Evidence Found In Guthrie Search, “Including Gloves”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 93:22


    A federal judge shut down Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amidst his attempts to retaliate against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, one of six lawmakers who made the video reminding service members that they are not obligated to carry out illegal orders. Plus, the artificial intelligence CEO who has the world doing a double take.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Sheriff's Dept: Nearly 18,000 Calls Since Guthrie Disappeared

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 91:01


    A flood of tips and even more after key photos and video show a masked individual armed outside Nancy Guthrie's door. Today, the new note demanding bitcoin in exchange for information about who the perpetrator is.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    FBI: Person Appeared To Have “Tampered” With Guthrie Door Camera

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 90:00


    The FBI released six still images and three videos showing a masked armed intruder outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of ‘Today' show host Savannah Guthrie. Plus, the latest revelations from the Epstein files.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Epstein Files Fallout

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 90:25


    Today, Jeffrey Epstein's convicted accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is in prison, appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee where she pleaded the fifth and wouldn't answer questions. Plus, the latest in the search for Nancy Guthrie.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    WH Downplayed Racist Video Trump Shared, Then Blamed Staffer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2026 90:34


    What many are calling a new low for Trump, and those are the Republicans, after a video post that included racist imagery of the Obamas as apes. Plus, the FBI surges teams to Arizona in the search for Nancy Guthrie.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    FBI: Ransom Note In Guthrie Case Has First Deadline Of “5PM Today”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 87:09


    Law enforcement authorities reveal new details in their search of the mother of ‘Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Plus, the new jobs report in America shows layoffs way up and hirings way down.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump Warns Iran's Supreme Leader Should Be “Very Worried”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 90:04


    The FBI is facing a new lawsuit from Fulton County Georgia one week after its raid, seizing boxes of ballots and other information from the 2020 election. Plus, President Trump's new warnings to the leaders of Iran.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    FBI Pleads For New Leads In Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 90:15


    What happened to the mother of ‘Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie? Investigators say they believe she was taken from her home against her will. Plus, facing a contempt of Congress vote, President Bill and Secretary Hilary Clinton now say they are ready to testify about their connections to dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Revelations From The Latest Batch Of Epstein Files

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 90:35


    President Trump attempted earlier today to distance himself from the dead pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. A look at the revelations inside the Epstein files. Plus, an urgent search for the mother of Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Some Survivors' Names Are Unredacted In Files

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026 90:30


    New Epstein files were released today which include new unverified sexual assault allegations that list President Trump and former President Bill Clinton. Plus, former CNN anchor Don Lemon appears in federal court. He is one of two journalists arrested for being at a protest that interrupted a church service in Minnesota. The charges are setting off a major First Amendment debate.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Border Czar: ICE & CBP Working On Minneapolis “Drawdown Plan”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 90:27


    Hundreds of 2020 ballot boxes are seized by the FBI. But, why and why was Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, on the ground there? Plus, an attempted jail break at the New York facility holding Luigi Mangione.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump Ups Rhetoric On Minneapolis, Despite Calls For De-Escalation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 90:03


    One day after calling for a little bit of a de-escalation, President Trump is now accusing the Minneapolis mayor of playing with fire, bucking calls to fire his Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and accusing a Democratic congresswoman who was attacked of staging it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump On Alex Pretti: “You Can't Walk In With Guns”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 95:06


    President Trump says he is going to personally oversee an honorable investigation into the death of Alex Pretti, the VA ICU nurse shot and killed by federal agents on Saturday. Plus, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania joins to discuss how he's preparing for possible immigration raids in his state.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Sources: Border Patrol Chief To Leave Minneapolis Tomorrow

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 89:35


    The top Border Patrol official and some of his agents are expected to leave Minneapolis as CNN learns the Trump administration is deeply frustrated with how Gregory Bovino handled the fallout after the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Millions Brace For Catastrophic Ice, Heavy Snow

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2026 89:50


    The first phase of the most extreme widespread winter storm the United States has seen in years is starting now. We break down the forecast. Plus, protests against Trump's immigration crackdown are underway in Minneapolis   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Source: 5-Year-Old & His Father Held In Texas ICE Facility

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 90:18


    Did he try to unfairly take down Trump or was he standing up for democracy and the rule of law? The extreme partisan divide as lawmakers question former special counsel Jack Smith. Plus, a father and son in custody, church protesters arrested, and a fake image from the White House.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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