The Lead with Jake Tapper

Latest Episodes:

Soon: Rubio Heads to Middle East to Meet with Gulf Allies Jun 23, 2026

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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.

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Israel, Hezbollah Renew Ceasefire After Conflict Nearly Derailed U.S.-Iran Talks Jun 20, 2026

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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.

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White House Defends Iran Agreement Amid Criticism Jun 19, 2026

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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.

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U.S. Releases Official Text of 14-Point Agreement with Iran Jun 18, 2026

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Confusion and frustration on Capitol Hill after President Trump forced his own pick for director of national intelligence to skip his confirmation hearing today. Plus, with Americans struggling under the weight of the highest inflation in three years, today the Federal Reserve decided not cut interest rates.

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Five Charged in Alleged Plot Against White House UFC Fight Jun 17, 2026

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Five men are in custody after the FBI said it foiled a plot to attack the UFC fight night event at the White House on Sunday. The plan allegedly included using a drone to drop explosives and snipers to hit high-value targets in the ensuing panic.

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VP JD Vance Joins to Discuss Iran Agreement Jun 16, 2026

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As questions mount about what exactly is in the Iran agreement, Vice President JD Vance joins to try and clear up any confusion. Plus, former Vice President Mike Pence also joins to share his reactions to the breaking news out of Iran.

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America’s Largest Energy Hub is Running Out of Oil Jun 13, 2026

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According to a senior administration official, the Trump administration is feeling good about its dealings with Iran. So, what’s holding up the next stage? Plus, Elon Musk becomes the world’s first trillionaire.

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Trump Taps U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for Top Intelligence Post Jun 12, 2026

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President Trump claims, yet again, that a new deal with Iran is just days away. Did two nights of strikes actually lead to a breakthrough? Plus, the World Cup is officially underway and CNN takes you to the action.

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NYT: Inside White House Crisis Meetings Over the Epstein Files Jun 10, 2026

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One of the richest men in the world took questions today about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. This as the New York Times is revealing a freakout at the White House about Epstein as they tried to contain the fallout. Plus, a look at the recent drops in the stock market.

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Trump Says Pilots Safe After Apache Shot Down Near Hormuz Jun 10, 2026

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Trump says Iran shot down a United States Army Apache helicopter and says the United States must respond. Is this the start of yet another major escalation? CNN is live at the White House and Iran.

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