The Lead with Jake Tapper

Latest Episodes:

CENTCOM: New Round of U.S. Strikes on Iran Underway Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

A new warning from the president after the first U.S. death since the early days of the Iran war. A look at what could come next as the United States pumps more American ships into a combat zone.

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Critics Warn Trump Speech Laid Groundwork to Challenge Midterms Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

The Trump administration pushes new narratives about election security, alleged foreign interference, and what could happen if states don’t use Trump’s way to secure your vote.

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Trump’s DNI Pick Clayton Questioned on Election Security Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

A new update from the White House about Trump’s address tonight. Plus, many Epstein survivors finally got to meet with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

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Tillis “Leaning Yes,” Cornyn Remains “Undecided” on Blanche Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Two men audition for permanent top level roles in the Trump administration. Could enough wavering Republicans deny the nominations? Plus, the mayor of Philadelphia accuses the Trump administration of trying to erase history.

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Source: ICE Pausing Most Traffic Stops After Deadly Shootings Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

No more traffic stops with ICE for now after agents shot and killed an unarmed man in Houston last week and now another one in Maine this week.

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ICE-Involved Shooting in Maine Leaves One Man Dead Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Another fatal shooting involving ICE agents occurred today in Maine. The shooting comes just days after an ICE agent fatally shot a Mexican immigrant during a traffic stop in Houston.

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Is The Trump Administration Telling The Truth About The Latest Deadly ICE Shooting? Jul 11, 2026

Show notes

New questions about what really happened in the moments before ICE agents killed a Mexican national in Texas, and now local officials are calling for a formal investigation into the death. President Trump is again today declaring the ceasefire with Iran over, but images exclusively obtained by CNN show that Iran may have used the break in fighting to rebuild and fortify some of its nuclear sites. So what does that mean for the war?

Plus, a famous actress and comedian and talk show host continuing to draw Donald Trump's ire even after she moved out of the country. And now Rosie O'Donnell is back in the United States and talking with The Lead. All that and more.

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Covering Conflict: Strikes, Politics, and the Global Stage Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Tensions escalate as the US-Iran border heats up. Get the latest updates on this volatile situation, featuring exclusive insights and on-ground reporting from the heart of the conflict.

Also, the political landscape in Maine is heating up. As Graham Platner exits the race amidst serious allegations, Maine Democrats face a race against time to find a new contender. Dive into the drama and what's next.

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CENTCOM: U.S. Striking Iran at Trump’s Direction Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

The United States military is again striking Iran as the remains of the ceasefire appear to be crumbling. US Central Command is saying these strikes were at the direction of President Trump.

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Woman Who Dated Graham Platner Says He Raped Her in 2021 Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Two women speak with CNN to allege violent experiences with Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner. Planter denies the allegations and shows no signs of heeding calls from Democrats to step down.

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