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The Lead with Jake Tapper

The Lead with Jake Tapper

CNN Podcasts 1591 Episodes Jul 4, 2026

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.

Episodes

DC’s Capitol Fourth Concert Expected to Go On Despite Heat Wave Jul 4, 2026 5434 Cancelled parades, delayed fireworks, and even the Great American State Fair put on hold all because of dangerous heat not letting up.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Philadelphia Declares Heat Health Emergency, Shortens July 4 Parade Jul 3, 2026 5383 The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool vandalism case reaches a new level after an Olympic canoeist is indicted by a grand jury and now faces a felony charge of destruction of property. Plus, thousands are without electricity as temperatures soar into the triple digits.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump Takes First Flight on Qatari-Gifted Air Force One Jul 2, 2026 5382 From cryptocurrency to real estate to watches and bibles, President Trump is cashing in on his presidency, making more than $2 billion last year. Plus, dangerous and even deadly heat sets into major cities in the United States.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Supreme Court: States May Ban Trans Athletes in Sports for Girls Jul 1, 2026 5397 In a consequential day at the Supreme Court, President Trump tees up a legislative fight after losing his birthright case which guarantees that children born in the United States are, in fact, United States citizens. Plus, the court ruled that states can bar transgender students from playing on girls’ athletic teams in schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Supreme Court: Trump Can Fire FTC Commissioner but Not Fed Gov. Jun 30, 2026 5416 President Trump brags about his win at the Supreme Court today on federal firings and goes off about the other cases that he lost. We break down the implications of these rulings and what it means for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Death Toll in  Venezuela, Now Closer to 1,000 Jun 27, 2026 5377  The devastation is getting worse two days after powerful earthquakes in Venezuela and more than 300 aftershocks. Help is on the way, but can it arrive fast enough in a window closing in to find people alive? Plus, breaking news, the US responds, hitting inside Iran after Iran's strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Is this a temporary escalation or something longer term? And in the Eps
Search and Rescue Underway After Venezuela Quakes Kill at Least 188 Jun 26, 2026 5413 Two strong earthquakes in Venezuela just seconds apart leave the country in shock. The death is regrettably rising as rescuers from around the world are heading to the disaster zone. Plus, from immigration to guns, new major decisions from the United States Supreme Court.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sen. Scott to Trump: Voting Bill Does Not Have Enough Support Jun 25, 2026 5419 President Trump throws a last minute grenade into what was supposed to be a major bipartisan victory on housing affordability legislation. Plus, a sweeping victory for Zohran Mamdani-backed candidates in three New York City congressional races.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump Falsely Claims Stock Markets Hit New High Today Jun 24, 2026 5370 Artificial intelligence has rattled a nerve, driving a major tech selloff on Wall Street just as President Trump falsely claimed the stock market hit a new high today. Plus, the Senate votes to limit President Trump’s war powers with Iran.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Soon: Rubio Heads to Middle East to Meet with Gulf Allies Jun 23, 2026 5315 After direct talks with Iran, Vice President JD Vance is heading home and Secretary Rubio will now head to the region. A look at what he hopes to accomplish after conflicting reports about what the vice president got done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Israel, Hezbollah Renew Ceasefire After Conflict Nearly Derailed U.S.-Iran Talks Jun 20, 2026 5421 The new Air Force One is a luxury jet donated by the government of Qatar and is expected to enter service soon. What CNN is learning about how the military made sure this foreign plane was safe for the president. Plus, it’s the first day on the job for Trump’s controversial pick for acting director of national intelligence.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
White House Defends Iran Agreement Amid Criticism Jun 19, 2026 5435 New CNN reporting about secret proposals between the United States and Iran as the two sides officially begin 60 days of negotiations. These plans go beyond the agreement President Trump officially signed last night.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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