The Lead with Jake Tapper

Who is the key witness in the classified documents case named Trump employee number four? CNN confirms the name after he allegedly discussed surveillance camera footage on Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property. This new identity as the former president faces new charges. Plus, a look at the political future of Senator Mitch McConnell. What his office is saying about his freeze this week in front of reporters. Also, the desperate plea from Afghans now hiding from the Taliban two years after the chaotic American withdrawal.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 Jul 202340min

Donald Trump’s legal team sits down behind closed doors with special counsel Jack Smith. What Trump himself is saying about the meeting and his own defense. Pus, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is back on the Senate floor today after freezing in front of reporters mid-sentence. Source tell CNN the 81-year-old has fallen three times this year alone. Also, the emergency warning from America’s largest power grid as extreme heat settles in over some of the biggest cities in the country.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 Jul 202340min

The judge placed a plea deal on hold after Hunter Biden appeared before court for failing to pay between $1.1 and $1.5 million in federal taxes before the legal deadlines. Plus, Mitch McConnell was ushered away from the microphones after freezing mid-sentence. We look at what he is saying now about that startling moment. Also, what could be House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s real reason behind floating and impeachment inquiry for Biden? A member of the GOP tells CNN it is a distraction.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 Jul 202340min

CNN confirms that US Marine veteran and former Russian prisoner Trevor Reed was not only fighting in Ukraine but also injured in combat. Plus, college basketball standout, Bronny James, the oldest son of NBA star LeBron James, is recovering from a cardiac arrest. Also, is House Speaker McCarthy laying the groundwork for an impeachment inquiry into President Biden for his alleged ties to his son’s business dealings?  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Jul 202340min

Biden administration officials have grown concerned over floating barriers the Texas government has placed along the Texas-Mexico border. Plus, a new CNN exclusive to try and determine what Donald Trump said behind closed doors in the Oval Office meeting about election security that now has the attention of the special counsel. Also, protests and clashes stretch well into the night in Israel over the country’s Supreme Court powers.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 Jul 202340min

The Trump-appointed judge in the classified documents trial has set the trial case for May after the Iowa caucuses, New Hampshire primary, and Super Tuesday. Plus, we speak with the president of Microsoft about artificial intelligence utilizing copyrighted material to write books and generate art. This as leading A.I. companies agree to outside testing of A.I. systems and other safety commitments.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Jul 20231h 20min

One of the IRS whistleblowers, Joseph Ziegler, who alleged malfeasance and slow-walking in the Hunter Biden investigation joins for an exclusive interview. Plus, a look at what’s behind the success of the film Sound of Freedom. Also, massive explosions light up the night sky in Ukraine’s port city of Odessa. Why are Russians targeting that spot?  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20 Jul 20231h 24min

Trump is facing a potential third indictment as his lawyers want to know what evidence the special counsel has. How will Trump handle the invitation for him to appear before a grand jury by tomorrow? Plus, a new photo of the American soldier detained in North Korea emerges. Why did he run across the border into the hermit kingdom? Also, new footage suggests Yevgeny Prigozhin may still be alive after his revolt in Russia.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19 Jul 20231h 19min