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The Lead with Jake Tapper

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.

WH Faces Growing Criticism Over Handling Of Epstein Case The Lead with Jake Tapper
Senate Republicans shut down debate over controversial judicial nominee Emil Bove leading Democrats on that panel to walk out.  The walkout left Democrats unable to question Bove on a range of issues including his involvement, if any, in decisions to keep the Epstein files out of the public eye.
Jul 18, 2025
 Trump Dodges Appointing Special Counsel To Investigate Epstein The Lead with Jake Tapper
President Trump is frustrated by supporters’ continued demand to see the files on pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Today he called those supporters weaklings and suggested they take a hike. Plus, New York City Mayor Eric Adams is accused in a new lawsuit by a former police commissioner of running the NYPD as a criminal enterprise.
Jul 17, 2025
 Trump On Epstein Files: Bondi Can Release What She Finds Credible The Lead with Jake Tapper
President Trump is attempting a course correction on the controversy relating the DOJ’s Jeffrey Epstein memo by sharing conspiracy theories. House Speaker Mike Johnson now says the Justice Department should release everything they have on Epstein.
Jul 16, 2025
 Sources: Bongino Returns To Work At FBI; Unclear If He Will Resign The Lead with Jake Tapper
President Trump is picking sides after a heated blowup over the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein pedophile case. What is going on at the DOJ? Plus, a look at President Trump’s pressure campaign on Vladimir Putin.
Jul 15, 2025
 Unanswered Questions Over What Officials Did During Critical Hours The Lead with Jake Tapper
The number two at the FBI is telling people that he might resign over the Epstein scandal. Plus, moments ago President Trump was on the ground in central Texas one week after the catastrophic flooding. CNN is digging into some of the still unanswered questions.
Jul 12, 2025
 Flash Floods In New Mexico Town Kill At Least Three People The Lead with Jake Tapper
Federal judges on the district level can no longer issue nationwide injunctions for the Supreme Court but they can certify class action lawsuits against the Trump administration. Plus, MAGA world remains outraged over the Trump Justice Department’s efforts to seemly try to close the case on Jeffrey Epstein and those who were his clients.
Jul 11, 2025
 At Least 119 Dead, Estimated 160 Missing In Catastrophic TX Flooding The Lead with Jake Tapper
A look at the desperate search into the Texas floods as CNN learns new information about officials coordinating the emergency response. Plus, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) joins to discuss not seeking reelection and voting against Trump’s recent domestic policy bill.
Jul 10, 2025
 Gov. Abbot Reports Number Of Missing Dramatically Rises To 161 The Lead with Jake Tapper
The death toll in Texas is rising as well as the number of missing persons after deadly flooding. We bring you the latest from the ground in Texas as officials provide updates. Plus, Trump and Netanyahu meet to discuss a potential ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas war.
Jul 9, 2025
 At Least 95 People Killed In Catastrophic Texas Floods The Lead with Jake Tapper
Texas is bracing for even more rain as rescuers are desperately searching for survivors after catastrophic flash floods in central Texas that began Friday morning and have killed at least 90 people including 27 children at a summer camp.
Jul 8, 2025
 Hamas Submits “Positive Response” To Ceasefire In Major Step The Lead with Jake Tapper
Of the 50 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza, the proposal calls for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 deceased during the ceasefire. On the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas would release eight living hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Following the release, Israel would withdraw from parts of northern Gaza, and the two sides would begin negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire.
Jul 4, 2025
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