The Lead with Jake Tapper

A flurry of activity in Georgia today including a brand new legal filing just moments ago from former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows asking for an emergency court order to avoid arrest. This as several of Trump’s codefendants surrendered today. Plus, eight candidates are set to face off in the first GOP presidential primary debate tomorrow and our own panel of guests join to discuss what we expect from the candidates on the national stage. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump’s bond in Georgia has been set at $200,000 as the former president and 18 co-defendants are expected to turn themselves into the Fulton County jail by the end of the week. Plus, tropical storm Hilary is drenching California with a year’s worth of rain in a single day and 25 million people from Southern California to Idaho are now under flood watches. Also, a California store owner is shot dead over a pride flag hanging outside her clothing store. The suspected gunman is also dead. We look at what the authorities are now learning about the dispute. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at Camp David amid concerns of Beijing and provocative behavior from North Korea. Plus, over 1,000 people are still missing after devastating wildfires leave over 100 dead in Hawaii. Also, according to sources, more negotiations over Trump’s surrender in Fulton County are to take place in person next week. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A federal judge has been threatened and specific contact information for Georgia grand jurors were plastered throughout right-wing websites. We examine how Donald Trump’s legal troubles are leading to further security issues and fears of violence. Also, a look at the heartbreaking accounts from Hawaii as wildfire victims are starting to find the remains of their family members. Plus, an Idaho Teacher of the Year joins to answer why she’s fleeing her classroom. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A proposed criminal trial date for Donald Trump in Atlanta right as the 2024 primary season kicks into high gear as CNN learns about his possible plan to turn himself in in the coming days. Plus, growing questions and outrage in Hawaii now that we learned the Maui system was tested, but not used before the wildfire which torched the historic town of Lahaina. Also, an unexpected twist for a small-town newspaper after a police raid raised alarms about freedom of the press in the United States. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump now faces a cumulative 91 criminal charges after being indicted in Fulton County, Georgia in his fourth criminal indictment since leaving office. He’s one of 19 people charged in Georgia for their attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in that state. Plus, one week after the evacuations in Hawaii, new questions emerge about the warning systems. Did the wildfires make them inoperable, or did no one ever sound the alarm? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The grand jury in the Georgia election interference case is bused in as prosecutors lay out their evidence that Donald Trump tried to steal the state’s electoral votes. Witness testimony has been moved up from tomorrow to today as Trump attacks a key witness and prosecutors are in possession of evidence of texts messages which allegedly directly link the former president’s legal team to a voting system breach. Plus, in the aftermath of the Hawaii wildfires, we hear of government failures, failed fire hydrants, and warning sirens that didn’t go off. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Attorney General Merrick Garland makes a surprise announcement, elevating the US Attorney heading the Hunter Biden probe to special counsel status. What will this mean for the president's son? And what will this mean for the president? Plus: Donald Trump might be told to zip it. The judge in the 2020 election fraud case signals that she is going to be willing to restrict sensitive evidence, telling Trump's attorneys the former president's right to free speech is not absolute. And: The catastrophe in Hawaii continues to worsen, with historic towns gone, homes burned to the ground, and the death toll climbing. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New footage showing powerful flames ripping through communities in Hawaii after a wildfire strikes Maui along with Hawaii’s Big Island. The death toll rises to 36 as crews anticipate that number growing even higher. Plus, President Biden makes a deal with Iran that would include making $6 billion in Iranian funds more accessible to Tehran in exchange for five Americans’ return to the US. Also, Ecuador asks the FBI to help investigate the assassination of a presidential candidate 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

Violent and explosive wildfires fueled by strong winds from a hurricane hit parts of Hawaii. It is a situation so sudden and catastrophic that local officials say a dozen people ran into the ocean to try to escape the flames. Plus, more than a dozen people could soon be indicted as early as next week in the Georgia 2020 election interference probe. Also, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joins to discuss how food prices, gas prices, and inflation are all on the rise as Wall Street watches for key inflation data. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voters are heading to the polls in Ohio for a special election that could determine abortion rights in the state. Also, Donald Trump is defiant and back on the campaign trail this afternoon, pushing back on prosecutors who want to restrict what he can say publicly about the federal indictment. Plus, a look at the results of a brawl in Alabama after a Black employee was rushed by a group of White men. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawyers for Donald Trump approach a 5:00 PM EST deadline as prosecutors push to limit what the former president can say about the federal case against him. Plus, after years of dodging the question, Gov. Ron DeSantis bluntly said “of course [Trump] lost" the 2020 election as the former president’s rival tries to reset his campaign. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to help fight his legal battles. He claims the cases against him are quote “election interference” which is the same thing he’s accused of in his third indictment. Plus, police have identified another murder victim 27 years later in the Giglo Beach killings. So, why wasn’t the suspected serial killer charged in connection with her death? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no new episode of The Lead showcast. If you haven’t already, please check out CNN’s other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is expected to head to Washington, D.C. where he will make his first appearance in federal court in connection with the January 6th riot and attempts to overthrow the 2020 election. How is the nation’s capitol preparing for his possible appearance just down the road from the site of the insurrection? And, who are Trump’s six coconspirators listed in the indictment, though not named? Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) joins for her first interview since the indictment to discuss. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sources tell CNN that Trump is preparing for a possible third criminal indictment today and we’ve seen him be very active, updating people on his Truth Social account whenever there are developments. This as the federal grand jury investigating efforts by former President Trump to overturn the 2020 election finishes for the day. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another Trump associate makes his first court appearance in the classified documents case in Florida. The Mar-a-Lago property manager is accused of trying to help delete security footage from Trump’s resort. While in Georgia, there are signs that we are close to a key decision in another Trump case. Plus, a search intensifies for a nurse and her child kidnapped in Haiti while the State Department orders non-emergency personnel to leave Haiti amid increasing violence. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sits down to discuss if he thinks Trump should be indicted if the special counsel finds evidence of criminality, his sweeping new military plan, US relations with China, the state of the war in Ukraine, and if he has concerns about his campaign’s ability to win the Republican nomination. Plus, a US soldier is believed to have been detained by North Korea after allegedly willfully crossing border. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vladimir Putin is vowing retaliation after Ukrainian forces unleashed a pre-dawn strike on the bridge that connects Crimea to Russia. Russia has also ended a deal critical to the world’s food supply. The Black Sea deal which ensured the safe passage of ships carrying grain from Ukrainian ports expired today. Plus, Jake sits down for a one-on-one with GOP presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson to discuss his federal law enforcement proposal. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A suspected serial killer has been in caught by law enforcement and makes his first court appearance after being charged with the deaths of three women whose bodies were found on a Long Island beach in 2010. We examine how a car, burner phones, fake email accounts, and DNA from a piece of pizza led police to the suspect. Plus, 1,000 heat records have been shattered in the US since June and more could break this weekend. Is this the new normal? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden on Thursday said he doesn't believe the war in Ukraine will drag on for years. Plus, a look at how Ukrainians plan to deploy US cluster bombs. Also, after months of Sen. Tuberville (R-Ala.) blocking military promotions, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin tells CNN in an exclusive interview the blockade by Tuberville has become a threat to national security. And, the Secret Service says they could not figure out who dropped a baggy of cocaine inside the White House. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FBI Director Christopher Wray faces off with his toughest critics during a heated congressional hearing in which he answered questions regarding the handling of the investigations into former President Donald Trump and the son of President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden. Plus, during the NATO summit, more promises are made to Ukraine but President Zelenksy is not getting what he really wanted, entry into NATO. Also, a new report reveals it’s not just Uncle Sam who is getting your sensitive tax information. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Zelensky appears at the NATO summit, requesting membership in the alliance as Turkey agree’s to back Sweden’s NATO bid. Plus, a new grand jury has been selected to decide if Donald Trump will be indicted a third time for his alleged role in trying to overturn the 2020 election. Also, as extreme whether hits the northeast United States, catastrophic flooding swamps Vermont. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 31 member nations in NATO will meet to discuss Ukraine potentially joining the alliance. Plus, the special counsel is accusing Donald Trump’s right-hand man of trying to delay the federal prosecution. Also, a look at the once in a thousand year rainfall that has left devastating flooding in parts of America. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: For the first time since the start of Russia's war, Ukraine will be getting an aid package from the US that includes cluster munitions - bombs that are banned by most countries. President Biden gave CNN an exclusive interview where he tried to defend that controversial decision. Then: The special counsel zeroes in on an Oval Office meeting during Donald Trump's final days in office, a meeting described as nuts. We bring you exclusive CNN reporting on what it tells us about the investigation into that January 6 investigation and a possible third indictment of Mr. Trump. Plus: He survived the Taliban and decades of war working as an interpreter in Afghanistan only to be shot and killed while driving a lift in the United States. The latest on the search for suspects. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Walt Nauta, the Trump aide who allegedly hid boxes of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago before the FBI arrived pleads not guilty, despite the Justice Department saying he was caught on surveillance video hiding those very boxes. 2024 Republican presidential challenger Chris Christie joins the show to discuss. Plus: The Kremlin sends in their officers to sniff out Wagner mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in St. Petersburg, Russia. They find guns, cash, gold and even wigs. And: Federal charges are brought against the man prosecutors say had weapons outside the Obama's DC home. Did a social media post from Donald Trump provide him with the Obama's home address? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Lab tests confirm a baggy of white powder found just steps from the West Wing Sunday was filled with cocaine. Now the question is: Who dropped it and set off a hazmat evacuation. Then: Gun violence in America reaches a new level of horror, with 356 mass shootings so far this year ... a stunning 15 of them just this past holiday weekend. We explore why these tragic shootings always seem to spike in the summer months and what can be done about it. Plus: A federal judge slaps the Biden administration with new restrictions on social media, ruling it cannot decide what is and is not misinformation. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: From iowa to New Hampshire to the White House, 2024 presidential candidates hit parades, kissed babies, and tried to make their case face to face with voters ... with one notable exception. Plus: Three more mass shootings in Texas, Indiana and Philadelphia are the latest sites of a uniquely American tragedy. And: Hidden cameras in the women's locker room exposed a troubling pattern of sexism and abuse. In this case, it was the police behind the offense. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Lead: CNN is on the front lines, where Ukraine's fight for freedom is in the trenches. Meanwhile, the CIA director says why he thinks instability in Moscow is creating a unique moment. Then, a holiday block party in Baltimore turns tragic. Now the hunt is on for shooters who opened fire, killing two and injuring nearly 30 others. Plus, can cows help curb the climate crisis? You might have heard their possible gas problems, but this time cattle may be eating their way to a solution. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

40 million Americans will not get the student loan forgiveness President Biden promised them after the Supreme Court rejects his plan. Then, a look at the future of anti-discrimination laws after a key ruling on LGBTQ rights and freedom of speech involving a wedding website designer and the state of Colorado. Plus, a look at traveling this upcoming holiday weekend. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court rejects race-based affirmative action in college admissions in a landmark decision. One of the attorneys that argued in support of affirmative action before the court joins to discuss. Plus, documents shared exclusively with CNN show a Russian general, whose whereabouts is currently unknown, was a secret VIP member of the Wagner mercenary group. Also, Mike Pence sits down with Erin Burnett in Ukraine during his surprise trip. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Investigators from the special counsel’s office are in Atlanta to interview Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger about Donald Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election. Plus, Vladimir Putin is greeted by a swarm of supporters during a rare surprise crowd appearance. This comes hours after the reported target of Prigozhin’s failed Russian revolt is revealed. Also, giant pieces of the destroyed Titan submersible are recovered and are now above the surface. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A city center in eastern Ukraine is rocked by a missile strike. Why this target and why now? Plus, what persuaded Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner boss, to stop his apparent revolt in Russia? The leader, now in Belarus, has his version of events as Vladimir Putin puts his own spin on what happened. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Putin makes his first public comments, claiming that any attempts of internal mutiny will end in defeat and makes an offer to Wagner fighters. The bombastic leader of the Wagner Group breaks his silence and gives the real reason he claims why his forces were heading to the Russian capitol. Plus, CNN is along the front lines with Ukraine’s unique opportunity to capitalize on the chaos. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What went so tragically wrong and caused the submersible filled with five people to implode near the wreckage site of the Titanic? Plus, fake electors compelled to testify as a special counsel investigation looking into efforts to overturn the 2020 election heats up. Also, 2024 Republican hopefuls converge on a conservative conference and to separate themselves on one of the most divisive issues of this election cycle. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All five passengers on the missing Titanic submersible are believed dead after missing debris is found on the ocean floor turning operations from rescue to recovery. In the wake of this tragedy, CNN is going to examine deep sea exploration and the inherent dangers that come along with these expeditions. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More reports of noises from the ocean in the desperate search for a missing sub that vanished during a deep sea exploration. Plus, another U.S. Supreme Court justice is defending an undisclosed luxury trip paid for by a billionaire. Also, was all the work by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Beijing undone when President Biden called Xi Jinping a dictator in an off the cuff remark? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hunter Biden strikes a deal on a felony charge and agrees to plead guilty on two misdemeanors. Plus, a trial for Trump is set to begin in less than two months as the former president argues his own defense on national TV. Also, the urgent underwater rescue mission for a missing submarine is running out of time. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An underwater expedition to see the wreckage of the Titanic is now a race to find and save the tourists and crew members on board the vessel. The mission is ramping up to prevent a second tragedy at that site. Plus, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reports back progress after a high stakes talk with China. We examine the areas of success and the major point of lingering tension. Also, a look at the judge’s order that restricts what Donald Trump can and cannot reveal about his federal indictment. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland rebukes the Minneapolis Police Department after a multi-year investigation found systemic abuses and discrimination by police. Then, the Tree of Life shooter has been found guilty on all counts and now faces the possibility of the death penalty. Plus, relentless fights in the streets as testimonies detail atrocities by a Wagner-backed militia in Sudan. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Judge Aileen Cannon sets a new deadline for federal prosecutors and for Trump’s lawyers. Why these decisions could have a real impact on the timing of the case against Donald Trump. We speak with former Republican U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales about reports that Donald Trump rejected a settlement with the DOJ. Plus, several agencies of the U.S. government are victims of a global cyberattack and this means your medical records, banking information, and personal information may have been exposed. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did Donald Trump just publicly admit to the very crimes he was arrested for a mere few hours after he was arrested and arraigned? Plus, an up close look at the front lines of Ukraine’s counteroffensive and the items Ukrainian troops say are key to defeating the Russians. Also, if inflation is supposedly easing, why does it seem like every trip to the grocery store is getting more expensive? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices