The Lead with Jake Tapper

Essentially trapped in Gaza, what do some Palestinians really think of Hamas and the conflict? Plus, the state of Texas is pushing back on a court order that allowed a woman to terminate a high-risk pregnancy. The case challenges one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation. Also, Hunter Biden speaks out on Republicans who want to tie his legal problems to his father. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liz Cheney joins to talk about Tump, Kevin McCarthy, House Speaker Mike Johnston, and her fears for what the U.S. might look like in 2025. Plus, a look at the threats to public officials, lawmakers, and election workers. Who is making them, why, and what can be done? Also, Trump is in court today as GOP rivals campaign in New Hampshire and Iowa.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three people were killed and one person is in critical condition after a shooting on the UNLV campus, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said Wednesday. The suspect was also killed, police said. Plus, in a vote that is happening now, Senate Republicans are threatening to block funding for Israel and Ukraine. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware joins discuss what's in the aid package.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New warnings of an apocalyptic situation in Gazza as Israel takes deadly aim at Hamas. Plus, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee Sen. Mark Warner joins to discuss the GOP being willing to block Ukraine and Israel aid if border funding is not included.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump is now claiming President Biden, not himself, is a threat to American democracy. This as there is six weeks left until the Iowa caucuses. Plus, Israel is expanding its war, targeting Hamas in all of Gaza, even in the south where Israel first told Palestinians to flee for safety.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, regrettably, is over and the White House is blaming Hamas. Now, Israeli strikes resume in Gaza while Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing new criticism and tough questions about warnings his government received and dismissed as recently as last summer about impending Hamas attacks. Also, the locks have been changed on George Santos's office already, just hours after the historic vote expelling him from Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back in Israel trying to stop the war from restarting. Can he help secure the release of the eight Americans still being held hostage by Hamas before bombs start dropping again? Plus, one of the innocent Palestinian college students in Vermont describes the moment the gunman came after him and his friends. His family says this crime was motivated by bigotry. So, why no hate crime charges? Plus, a gag order has just been reinstated on Donald Trump who keeps personally attacking the judge and his clerk in the civil fraud trial.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the truce expiration looms, Israel says a new group of hostages has been freed including an American citizen. Some of the hostages' families sit down with Jake for an exclusive interview. This as Qatar says 30 Palestinians, 16 minors and 14 women, are being released Wednesday in exchange for the release of hostages in Gaza.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Officials say thirty more Palestinians were freed from Israeli prisons as 12 more hostages were freed from Hamas, but not two American women. What happened to the deal cut last week that was thought to have included them? Plus, a CNN exclusive with the father of Emily Hand, the 9-year-old kidnapped by Hamas. Also, former Republican Congressman Liz Cheney is naming names and shares what fellow Republicans would tell her secretly behind closed doors.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After more than 50 days of being held captive by Hamas, 11 more hostages are freed tonight after Israel and Hamas agree to pause fighting for a few more days, leading to more hostage releases to come. Plus, a look at the Palestinian prisoners who Israel is letting go and the two-tiered justice system for many of them that led to so many being held without trial in the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's show was preempted by CNN's continuing live coverage of the Middle East hostage release. If you haven't already, please check out CNN's other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As today's show begins, the FBI is investigating a car explosion at the US-Canadian border near Niagara Falls. Two people in the car died. This happened just a few hours ago at the Rainbow Bridge connecting New York and Canada. According to law enforcement services, the car accelerated in the US side, went airborne, and crashed and exploded near a checkpoint. In response, authorities shut down all four land-border crossings between the US and Canada near Niagara Falls. Our coverage begins with CNN's Brynn Gingras.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As today show begins we're awaiting word on a deal to release some of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas. The full Israeli cabinet is meeting to give what is believed to be a final approval of the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously asked them to support the deal.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First: Donald Trump pushes back on a federal judge who put limits on what the former president can say and where he can say it. We take you inside the courtroom and explain why today's hearing matters so much.  Plus: Big news for the White House today about the fate of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas and the negotiations to get them released.  And: Hundreds of employees at tech giant OpenAI threaten to quit over the firing of their founder and face of the company, Sam Altman.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The remains of a hostage are found inside Gaza making it the second such discovery this week as Israeli forces comb areas around the Al-Shifa hospital and uncover evidence of a hidden terrorist operation run by Hamas. Plus, in the 2024 race, age is still a problem, perhaps a bigger problem, for President Biden, as voters in a key primary state weigh in on a brand-new CNN poll. Also, a Republican who says he was also once given some unwanted hostile physical attention from then Speaker Kevin McCarthy, joins.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The special counsel investigating hunter Biden is now using a Los Angeles grand jury as part of the investigation into the business dealings of President Biden's son. Plus, inside the scathing House Ethics Committee report on Rep. George Santos which reviews the alleged trips he bought and the campaign money he used to buy Botox and settle his own credit card debt. Also, new video shows a tunnel shaft at Gaza hospital complex.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A hospital in Gaza is now a military scene where Israel and the U.S. say Hamas is hiding a command center. But, what is the goal of this specific operation? Also, Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie joins to comment on Nikki Haley suggesting she might pardon Donald Trump. Plus, Hunter Biden wants to subpoena Donald Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Biden just arrived in San Francisco preparing for his first meetings ahead of his one-on-one tomorrow with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Plus, a defining vote for the new House speaker, but does he have bigger problems as GOP colleagues are physically throwing blows? House Republican Rep. John James of Michigan joins to talk about the chaos in his conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump is on a 2024 campaign of vengeance and vile remarks vowing to root out his political opponents and leveling everyone against him as vermin while making some extreme plans to round up every undocumented immigrant and put them in camps. Plus, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen joins to discuss Donald Trump Jr. finishing up his testimony in the New York civil fraud trial. Also, our correspondents on the ground provide the latest updates on the Isreal-Hamas war.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A global outcry sounds over the civilian deaths in Gaza. America's top diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said far too many Palestinians have been killed. This as we learn about warnings from other American envoys in Arab countries. Plus, sources are telling CNN the FBI has seized the phones of New York City Mayor Eric Adams as an investigation heats up into possible illegal campaign contributions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin says he won't seek re-eleciton, but will he run for higher office? Plus, a plumber, a maid, and even a chauffeur may be among the names of people who may be a witness in the criminal case against former President Trump. Also, Kevin McCarthy sits down for an exclusive interview with CNN one month after his fall as speaker of the House.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Democracy won and MAGA lost” according to President Biden after big wins for Democrats including Ohio voters approving a constitutional right to an abortion and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear winning reelection. Plus, for the very first time in American history, the daughter of a former president of the United States has been forced to testify as a witness in a case against her father.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight's The Lead showcast has been pre-empted by breaking news coverage of election day in America. For recent news updates, be sure to visit CNN's ‘5 Things' at: edition.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/5-Things Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A historic and contentious day in court court has just come to a close after Donald Trump spent the day on the stand in New York repeatedly clashing with the judge, the very person who will decide how much the Trumps must pay after having been found liable for fraud. Plus, the Palestinian Ministry of Health says more than 10,000 deaths have taken place in Gaza since Israeli launched its military offensive nearly a month ago.  For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israel has just claimed responsibility for an attack outside a hospital in Gaza City. Footage shows multiple people dead and injured people on the ground near the Al Shifa Hospital which is Gaza's largest medical facility. Also, the military leader of Hezbollah spoke on Friday to warn that clashes at the Israel-Lebanon border have a possibility of escalating into a broader Middle East conflict.  For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight's The Lead showcast has been pre-empted by breaking news coverage of the Isreal-Hamas war. For recent news updates, be sure to visit CNN's ‘5 Things' at: edition.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/5-Things Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Israel ramps up its bombardment, innocent civilians are finally being allowed to leave war-ravaged Gaza. An Egyptian official tells CNN that 361 foreign nationals left Gaza and entered Egypt through the Rafah crossing today. CNN speaks with the family of an American who got out of Gaza about what it was like visibly seeing her family member leaving Gaza.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israel has acknowledged it was behind an enormous explosion at a refugee camp in Gaza which left catastrophic damage. The Israeli military said that it killed a top Hamas commander in the strike while Hamas denied the claim. Also, top US officials testified on Capitol Hill as House Republicans have proposed a bill to give aid to Israel but not Ukraine. Plus, during a Senate hearing Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wrap said antisemitism is reaching historic levels in the United States.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ 

Despite the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the thousands of casualties, including an untold number of civilians and children, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed calls by some for a ceasefire. Plus, an American trapped in Gaza sends voice memos describing dwindling resources.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ 

The Israel Defense Forces announced this evening that it is expanding its ground operations against Hamas in Gaza. Gaza residents tell CNN that these are the most intense air strikes they have experienced since the war began 20 days ago. There are reports of widespread power, cellular, and internet outages across the Gaza Strip. It is still unclear what these ramped up attacks will mean for hostage negotiations.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Our correspondents are on the ground in Lewiston, Maine where a manhunt is underway for a mass shooter. That CNN crew heard loud bangs near the last known address of the Maine mass shooting suspect. Also, Israel Defense Forces tanks raid Gaza as Israel prepares for “next stages of combat.” Plus, a Hamas delegation reportedly visited Moscow as Russian state media claims Hamas has discussed hostages with Russian officials.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

A diplomatic spat between Israel and the United Nations has broken out, with Israeli officials calling for the resignation of Secretary General Antonio Guterres. This as the main UN agency working in Gaza said it will be forced to halt its operations later today due to a lack of fuel, exacerbating a grave humanitarian crisis. Plus, Rep. Mike Johnson secured the speaker's gavel without losing any GOP votes Wednesday after weeks of party infighting left the House in chaos.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

It has been 17 days since the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas which caught Israel by surprise, setting off a cascade of responses and consequences that now includes a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The World Health Organization said that six hospitals have shut down due to a lack of power. A spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces says no fuel will enter Gaza because of concerns it will be stolen by Hamas which controls the Gaza strip.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Hamas has released two more of the hostages it kidnapped from Israel during the October 7th terrorist attack, according to multiple sources. Plus, the United Nations is calling the situation in Gaza hospitals “dire” as a low rate of humanitarian aid trucks have entered Gaza. Also, according to sources, intelligence shows Iranian-backed militias are ready to ramp up attacks against U.S. forces.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Two U.S. citizens, Judith Tai Raanan and her 18-year-old daughter Natalie Raanan, who had been kidnapped by Hamas, have been released and are now back in Israel. Israel believes Hamas still has around 200 hostages and believes most of them are still alive. Plus, humanitarian aid that has been stuck in Egypt should reach Gaza within "24-48 hours," US President Joe Biden said Friday. Also, an airstrike hit a Greek Orthodox church inside Gaza.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office this evening for only the second time in his presidency. He is going to try to convince Americans why it is critical to provide tens of billions of dollars to support two allies in their two wars, Israel and Ukraine. Plus, our correspondents in the Middle East provide updates on the conflict, including the likeliness of the Rafah Crossing in Gaza reopening this week.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Biden arrived in Israel hours after a devastating explosion in the courtyard of a Baptist hospital in Gaza. The president said earlier today that the deadly hospital tragedy in Gaza may have been caused by Palestinians. Biden also announced Israel agreed that humanitarian assistance can cross into Gaza from Egypt.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The Israel Defense Forces said the cause of a blast at a hospital in Gaza which has likely killed hundreds of people was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. However, Palestinian officials blamed ongoing Israeli airstrikes for the lethal incident. The blast resulted in Jordan cancelling a planned summit between President Biden and the leaders of Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority. Plus, Rep. Jim Jordan fails to win speakership on the first House vote.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

New warnings emerge about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Today, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to Israel after meeting with multiple allies throughout the Middle East, trying to get a humanitarian corridor open for innocents to evacuate Gaza before Israel ramps up attacks on Hamas.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Israel's military has issued a warning to 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza to evacuate amid signs that Israel is set to ramp up its retaliatory offensive against Hamas.  Also, House Republicans have picked Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as their new speaker nominee just hours after Rep. Steve Scalise won the speaker nomination but dropped out of the race abruptly. For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

America's top diplomat delivered an in-person message to the Israeli people who are greiving and wounded. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States will never back down from its support of Israel. He is on his way to meet with other US allies in the region, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Qatar, and Jordan after standing side by side with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Behind closed doors today, the majority of Republicans chose Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) to be their nominee to succeed Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) as speaker. Plus, the war in the Middle East appears to be expanding as Israel has now formed an emergency wartime government. The Israeli government is also accusing the Iranian regime of giving the green light to Hamas.  For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN's podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel' here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJTo learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy