The Lead with Jake Tapper

Latest Episodes:

Comey’s Defense Team Moves To Dismiss Case In New Court Filings Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

From airlines to banks, Facebook and Starbucks, to baseball tickets, companies across the country and around the world are trying to get back to normal after serious issues took their websites and services offline. Plus, James Comey’s legal team launches several different efforts to get the charges against him thrown out.

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Trump Signals Interest In Trade Of Ukrainian Drones For U.S. Tomahawk Missiless Oct 18, 2025

Show notes

Tension points at the White House with the Ukrainian president proposing a major trade while President Trump hits a striking tone on Venezuela. Plus, Prince Andrew drops his royal title and trappings in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal as the United States Congress adds a new chapter.

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Ex-Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton Indicted Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

Moments ago, a federal grand jury in the state of Maryland indicted ambassador John Bolton. He was formerly Trump’s national security adviser. Plus, there are 19 days until Election Day 2025 and tonight is the first of two debates for New York City mayor.

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Trump, FBI Director Tout “Sweeping” Crime Crackdown Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

A judge blocks President Trump’s planned layoffs of federal workers during the shutdown. Plus, at the White House, President Trump touted his administration’s efforts to reduce violent crime. We examine if the statistics he is citing check out.

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News Outlets Broadly Reject Hegseth’s Pentagon Media Rules Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Media organizations, including CNN and Fox News, refuse to sign the Pentagon’s press access rule. Hear the latest on what the ultimatum was, which organizations refused to sign, and why.

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Ceasefire Deal Marks Historic Day Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

After two years and six days of being in captivity and held by Hamas, the remaining living Israeli hostages cross the border. We bring you stories of Palestinian and Israeli families each reunited as President Trump hails a dawn of a new Middle East.

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Remaining 47 Hostages To Be Released Within 72 Hours Oct 11, 2025

Show notes

The Trump administration is making good on its threat and are beginning the process of mass firings at multiple federal agencies. Plus, 19 people are missing in Tennessee after a power blast at a military explosives plant. Also, updates in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

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Sources: DOJ Indicts Trump Adversary NY AG Letitia James Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted this afternoon as President Trump’s Justice Department continues to pursue charges against Mr. Trump’s political adversaries. Plus, Israel’s cabinet is meeting right now before they take a final vote on the ceasefire proposal from President Trump.

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Tensions Build On Capitol Hill As Shutdown Drags Into Day 8 Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

The possibility of delayed paychecks gets more real after day eight of the federal government shutdown. Could some furloughed federal workers not get paid at all? Plus, Trump says Israel and Hamas have signed off on a “first phase” of a Gaza ceasefire deal.

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Republicans, Bondi Say Biden DOJ Used “’Double Standard” Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Attorney General Pam Bondi faced down some of her toughest critics on Capitol Hill but will this hearing and approach accomplish anything? Plus, will furloughed federal workers get backpay when the federal government reopens?

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