The Lead with Jake Tapper

Latest Episodes:

Trump Says Strikes On Land To Start In Venezuela “Soon” Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

President Trump appears to doze off during his own cabinet meeting while just minutes earlier we learn new details about that second follow-up strike on the suspected drug boat. Plus, as many Americans are struggling with the cost of living, Donald Trump says that any questions about affordability are a Democratic scam.

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WH Confirms Follow-Up Strike On Alleged Drug Boat Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

President Trump and his top national security officials meet behind closed doors about the next steps for Venezuela. This comes as lawmakers from both parties are raising grave concerns about a follow-up strike on an alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean where the US military killed survivors of the first strike.

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Trump Says He’s Canceling Anything Biden Signed Via Autopen Nov 29, 2025

Show notes

President Trump is escalating his already aggressive immigration crackdown in the wake of the shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, DC. He’s taking an even closer look at immigrants legally in the United States and those waiting to get in.

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Police: Suspect Apparently Targeted National Guard Troops Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Two West Virginia National Guardsmen were shot in downtown Washington, DC just blocks away from the White House. Both guardsmen are in critical condition and officials are calling this a targeting shooting saying they were ambushed by a lone gunman.

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Americans In Limbo As WH Delays Health Care Announcement Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

Signals emerge that the United States and Ukraine are closer to a plan that could be the first step toward negotiating an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Plus, behind the scenes discussions on Capitol Hill about health care reform.

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Judge: Trump Prosecutor Lindsey Halligan Appointed Unlawfully Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

A federal judge tosses the indictments against two perceived Trump opponents, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. A look at why the judge says the Trump loyalists behind those indictments was unlawfully appointed.

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Trump And Mamdani Meet In Friendly Oval Office Chat Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

Polar opposites of the American political spectrum, Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani, meet at the White House. Also, a look into what the people of Ukraine want from the resolution to the war. Plus, the holiday rush begins one week out from Thanksgiving.

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Trump Goes Off On Dems Who Told Troops To Disobey Illegal Orders Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

How can the United States have a stronger than expected jobs report while the unemployment rate went up? Plus, the Justice Department opens up yet another mortgage fraud investigation, this one involving Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California.

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White House Yet To Say If Trump Has Received Epstein Bill Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

So, when will America finally see the highly-anticipated Epstein files? Who are the pedophile's clients? How much data will be redacted? Attorney General Pam Bondi is weighing in. Plus, updates in the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey.

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Thune: Epstein Bill Could Be Passed In Senate As Soon As Tonight Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

First the House and now the Senate is voting possibly as soon as tonight on the Epstein files and releasing them. This as lawmakers agree it is time see everything the Justice Department has on the dead pedophile and sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and any other accomplice.

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