Location:
Washington, DC
Description:
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.
Twitter:
@theleadcnn
Language:
English
Website:
http://cnn.com/thelead
Source: Bondi Answered Questions on Ghislaine Maxwell in Interview
5/29/2026
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi defended her role in the release of the Epstein files in a closed door interview. A look at what she in the room about Ghislaine Maxwell. Plus, President Trump says he is near a final decision on Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:56
U.S. & Iran Reach Deal to Open Strait, Trump Must Still Sign Off
5/28/2026
A series of strikes from the United States and Iran as a tentative agreement emerges to open the Strait of Hormuz and start nuclear talks, according to US officials. Plus, protestors gather outside an ICE detention facility in New Jersey for the seventh day in row while lawyers say inside detainees are on a hunger strike over the conditions they’re enduring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:29
Trump’s GOP Purge Continues as Paxton Ousts Sen. Cornyn
5/27/2026
A slew of ads and attacks from the Republican establishment over the past year and a half against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are all gone now that Paxton is the GOP pick to face Democrat James Talarico in one of the most contested fights for the Senate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:55
Trump Backing Paxton Over Sen. Cornyn Tests His Grip on GOP
5/26/2026
Will a Trump-backed candidate unseat Republican Senator John Cornyn in Texas? We go live to Texas as the voters decide. Plus, Iran warns of retaliation after US strikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:59
U.S. Iran Work to Resolve Disputes on Nuclear Issues & Sanctions
5/25/2026
Sources say the White House is optimistic about a deal to end the war with Iran despite disputes about the country’s nuclear program. Plus, John Cornyn and Ken Paxton battle for the Texas Senate nomination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:19
Trump and Republicans Clash Over “Anti-Weaponization” Fund
5/22/2026
The president is at odds with growing pushback even from Republicans over his fund to compensate those who feel wronged by the federal government. Plus, Tulsi Gabbard is stepping down from her post as director of national intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:38
First Anti-Weaponization Fund Applicant Speaks to CNN
5/21/2026
From legitimate cases of grievance, to January 6 rioters, to election deniers, to even a television network. Many come forward claiming they were wronged by the federal government and they want in on Trump’s $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:51
Sen. Cassidy Bucks Trump on Iran, Ballroom after Primary Defeat
5/20/2026
The United States announces new charges against Raúl Castro, brother of Fidel Castro. He is charged for his role in the 1996 killing of three Americans in planes over international waters. Plus, a new lawsuit from two police officers who defended the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:20
First Claim Filed to “Anti-Weaponization” Fund
5/19/2026
President Trump, his family, and his businesses are now all protected under new terms added in a settlement with the Treasury Department, the Justice Department, and the IRS. A look at the settlement that creates a fund to compensate people the Trump administration feels were unfairly targeted by past administrations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:53
Police: Three Adults Killed in San Diego Mosque Shooting
5/18/2026
Authorities in San Diego provide updates on a deadly shooting at the largest mosque in San Diego. This as a source tells CNN a security guard was among the three victims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:27:08
Trump Won’t Commit to Taiwan Arms Sale
5/15/2026
President Trump reveals his thoughts on the Reagan-era commitment to Taiwan making it sound less like an ironclad promise and more like ancient history. A look at Trump’s recent talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as he heads back to DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:51
Xi Hails New Era in U.S.-China Relations But Warns Trump on Taiwan
5/14/2026
Xi Jinping makes clear that the United States will pay a price for any interference in Taiwan. Hear what President Trump said ahead of his final meeting at the U.S.-China summit. Plus a CNN exclusive, a top ethics attorney told acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former private attorney, to recuse himself from legal cases that involve the president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:31:08
Iran, Trade, Tech, Taiwan on Agenda for Trump-Xi Summit
5/13/2026
President Trump is hours away from his face-to-face with Xi Jinping. A former White House insider joins to discuss their negotiations. Plus, a court overturns the murder convictions of Alex Murdaugh, the South Carolina lawyer who took the stand in his own defense denying that he killed his wife and son. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:35
Sources: Trump Seriously Thinking of Restarting Combat Operations
5/12/2026
President Trump heads to China while leaving a pile of problems behind him back at home in the United States. Issue number one is American wages getting eating up by inflation. Plus, an American mayor is stepping down, pleading guilty to acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:38
16 Passengers Under Observation in Nebraska Quarantine Unit
5/11/2026
18 passengers on the cruise ship with the hantavirus outbreak are back home in the United States including one person experiencing symptoms. Plus, President Trump calls the latest Iranian negotiation counterproposal “garbage.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:01
Democrats Delivered Major Loss
5/8/2026
CDC staff are now en route to that cruise ship with the hantavirus outbreak ready to escort Americans off and get them into a biocontainment unit in Nebraska. Plus, the Virginia Supreme Court rules the commonwealth’s new congressional maps are null and void. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:29:51
CENTCOM: U.S. Military Responded to “Unprovoked Iranian Attacks”
5/7/2026
Multiple states are now monitoring Americans who may have been exposed to the hantavirus. Plus, the United States confirmed Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. A look at what it means for the ceasefire and negotiations to end the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:34:17
Trump Gets Revenge on Indiana Republicans Who Defied Him
5/6/2026
The FBI raided the office and business belonging to one of the most powerful Democrats in Virginia politics. Plus, paying tribute to CNN founder Ted Turner who died today at the age of 87. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:09
Hegseth: Ceasefire “Is Not Over” Despite Mutual Attacks
5/5/2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was front and center at the White House briefing room today where he underscored a new phase of the war with Iran. This as we are seeing a new power struggle over the Strait of Hormuz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:29
Iran & U.S. Trade Shots, Iran Attacks UAE
5/4/2026
A new threat from Trump as the United States shoots down more Iranian boats and Iran attacks the United Arab Emirates. Plus, did taxpayer money help keep sexual harassment cases involving several members of Congress out of public eye? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:14