The Lead with Jake Tapper

A lawyer for Mike Pence found approximately a dozen classified documents at the former VP's Indiana home, according to CNN sources. Will the DOJ have to appoint yet another special counsel to investigate? Plus: California suffers three mass shootings in as many days. The latest is a case of workplace violence. And: Sources tell CNN the US is now ready to send its Abrams tanks to Ukraine as Germany also softens its opposition. What changed? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36 mass shootings already in 2023 in the United States and we are not even a full month into the year. 11 victims are now dead in the latest update from the hospital from the massacre in Monterey Park, California. Plus, a high ranking FBI official is now in federal custody and is facing money laundering charges as well as questions about his connections to a sanctioned Russian billionaire. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. tries to push Germany to give some Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine while holding back the American-made Abrams model. Plus, a new investigation has opened in New Mexico into a Republican candidate’s campaign possibly being laced with money from fentanyl sales just days after the candidate's arrest in which he was accused of plotting to shoot the homes of his democratic rivals. Also, Erin Brockovich joins to discuss taking on cases of water contamination at a Marine Corps bases. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fight over the debt ceiling could cause a global economic crisis including higher mortgage and credit card payments, 401(k) declines, delayed payments for veterans, delayed Social Security, and more. Plus, actor Alec Baldwin is going to be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the tragic deadly shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Also, the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is in Germany trying to get top officials in Germany to send talks to Ukraine. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A helicopter crashes outside of a kindergarten in the suburbs of Kyiv and a Ukrainian cabinet minister and a child are among the 14 killed. What caused this tragedy? Plus, Rep. Nancy Mace of the House Oversight Committee joins to discuss the differences in the classified documents investigations of Biden and his predecessor. As well, Rep. Mace answers why she believes the GOP approach to abortion is incautious. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One city, four homes, each one shot at. Police say a candidate who lost his election in New Mexico tried to have his rival office holders killed. Plus, House Republicans are ready to investigate presidential son Hunter and presidential brothers James and Frank Biden for trying to use their access to the now president to make money. Also, Ukrainian troops arrive in Oklahoma for training on the Patriot missile defense system. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turns out the White House did not keep a visitors log for guests at President Biden’s private Wilmington home where five more pages of classified documents were found as the president’s personal lawyer tries to explain. Plus, Ukrainian officials say it was a Russian cruise missile designed to take out aircraft carriers that struck an apartment building killing at least 40 people. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House's refusal to answer questions is not going to stop the questions from mounting. Why did the Biden White House wait so long to acknowledge that classified documents have been found at Biden’s private office, home, and garage? Plus, a rising death toll after tornados sweep through Alabama and Georgia as search crews look for survivors amid the piles of debris. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attorney General Merrick Garland has named former Trump U.S. Attorney Robert Hur as special counsel to take over the investigation of classified documents found at Joe Biden’s home and private office. Plus, former House Speaker Paul Ryan joins to discuss Kevin McCarthy’s contentious fight to become speaker. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FAA is trying to get flights back on track after a pilot notification system failed causing thousands of flight delays. Plus, Attorney General Merrick Garland will weigh next steps over classified documents found at one of Biden’s offices as the Trump legal team sees benefit in the document revelation. Also, Iran orders harsher punishments to be issued to women who do not wear a hijab. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House GOP passes a bill to roll back $80 billion in funding for the IRS. Rep. Mike Johnson of the Judiciary Committee joins to discuss this bill and an approved rules package for the 118th Congress. Plus, President Biden is at the podium in Mexico City only to be overshadowed by questions surrounding multiple classified documents found in his private office. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy scrambles to ensure support for a new rules package. Plus, a college art professor says she lost her job for showing a 14th century painting of the Prophet Muhammad, renewing a debate over academic freedom. Also, President Biden is in Mexico City for the North American Leaders’ Summit where the issues of migration, drug trafficking, and border security will be front and center. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is day four of the standoff over the House speakership and for the first time this week there are signals there may be a finish soon. Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz joins to answer if she’s confident McCarthy will have enough votes to be elected speaker tonight. Plus, Pennsylvania governor elect Josh Shapiro taps Al Schmidt, a Republican targeted by Trump, for the top state elections job. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In what is now the longest speaker contest in 164 years, Rep. Kevin McCarthy has suffered his 10th defeat to become House speaker. A nominee needs 218 votes, but the number required could change depending on if members withhold their votes. Rep. Michael Waltz joins to answer what has to change in order for a deal to occur. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House has adjourned after Rep. Kevin McCarthy fails on his sixth attempt to win a majority of votes to become speaker. We speak with GOP congressmen Rep. Dan Bishop and Rep. Dusty Johnson about a potential path forward between pro-McCarthy and anti-McCarty Republicans. Plus, former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund joins to lay out the intelligence failures during the January 6th attack on the Capitol. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time since 1923, the vote for House speaker has gone to multiple ballots leaving Rep. Kevin McCarthy without enough votes. GOP Rep. Chip Roy of Texas joins to discuss his vocal opposition to McCarthy. Former acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney also joins to answer how he sees the future of the House playing out. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin McCarthy’s bid to become House speaker comes down to the wire and a group of Republican hard liners continue to push their demands. Plus, how police tracked down a suspected killer through DNA evidence, the web, and his Hyundai Elantra in those tragic Idaho college murders. Also, former White House communications director under the Trump administration Alyssah Farah Griffin joins to discuss the latest revelations from the January 6th select committee. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A suspect has been arrested in the murders of the four University of Idaho students. The FBI and Pennsylvania police arrested 28-year-old Bryan Kohberger this morning in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. We go live to a news conference on the crimes. Plus, according to emails provided by Jared Kushner to the January 6th select committee, Donald Trump wanted to trademark “rigged election.” To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New witness transcripts have been released from the January 6th select committee, including one from Donald Trump’s own son. Then, officials are calling it the largest Russian missile strike since the war began. Plus, some signs of relief are on the horizon for tens of thousands of Southwest passengers who have been stuck in the airline’s meltdown for now eight days. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six days in and Southwest Airlines has canceled more than 15,000 flights as the company’s stock is taking a hit. Then, new details are emerging about the final days of the Trump administration. A witness told the January 6th committee that Donald Trump’s chief of staff regularly burned documents. Plus, why celebrities and social media are driving a shortage of a life-saving diabetes drug. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another disastrous day for Southwest Airlines as it cancels more than 2,500 flights for the second day in a row. Executives say they’ll need to cancel many more tomorrow. Then, Republican Congressman-elect George Santos admits he lied about major parts of his resume, but wait until he explains his Jewish heritage claims. Also, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on concussion protocol hours after playing an entire game. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than two dozen people are dead from the horrific blizzard that slammed Erie County, New York over the holiday weekend. Some dying in snow buried cars, other in homes with no power. Conditions are so bad rescuers needed rescuing. The storm has caused more than 3,000 flights to be cancelled. Plus, how a toy and a car led police to find a kidnapped baby. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The January 6th select committee released its final report which spelled out why in their view Donald Trump is solely responsible for the Capitol riot. Also, a historic and sadly deadly winter storm has left over a million Americans without power as more than 4,000 flights are cancelled. Plus, more Iranians fear a new wave of executions engineered to crush protests. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the release of the January 6th select committee’s final report still looms, former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson said she was pressured to not talk to the committee by her lawyer. Also, the Taliban suspends university education for women in Afghanistan. Then, China struggles to maintain a Covid-19 outbreak after easing restrictions. Plus, a major winter storm is causing travel delays for millions across 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

President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Biden hold a joint press conference live at the White House and discuss Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Sen. Jack Reed of the Armed Services Committee joins beforehand to discuss what he wants to hear from Zelensky and if he’s worried about backlash from Russia. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will the Biden administration proceed with plans to lift a border policy which allowed the government to expel immigrants quickly? Plus, plans are underway for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenky to visit the White House tomorrow. Also, TikTok responds to calls to ban the app over security concerns. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress has referred Donald Trump to the Justice Department on four criminal charges surrounding the events of January 6th. Rep. Elaine Luria of the January 6th select committee joins to answer how the committee reached this conclusion as Republicans, including Mike Pence, react to the referrals. Plus, a deadline is quickly approaching on the border as more migrants line up to cross to the U.S. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukraine’s prime minister says that Russia’s goal is to target key infrastructure after Ukraine intercepted a new barrage of strikes. Also, Twitter suddenly suspends the accounts of several journalists, including CNN’s own Donie O’Sullivan. Plus, days before they draft their final report, multiple sources tell CNN the January 6th select committee is considering asking the Justice Department to pursue multiple criminal charges against Donald Trump. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Only one day left to reach a deal as the Senate hits a snag over federal spending. Also, in a very first interview, the U.S. Capitol police sergeant who was beaten by rioters on January 6th joins to discuss why he's now resigning from his job. Plus, more governors are banning TikTok on government devices. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates for seventh time the year. Can the U.S. economy avoid a recession? Plus, Ukraine claims to have shot down a series of drones that took aim at its infrastructure. Plus, Rep. Tony Gonzales joins to discuss immigration reform and long term solutions to the border crisis. 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 has signed legislation guaranteeing that states have to recognize same-sex and interracial marriages after the bill passed in Congress with bipartisan support. Also, Biden celebrated new economic data that shows inflation is cooling more than expected. Plus, a new Senate report has found widespread sexual abuse in female federal prisons. Senator Jon Ossoff joins to discuss the next steps to resolve the sexual violence facing incarcerated women. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billions of dollars and decades later, scientists have figured out how to replicate the energy of the sun, creating what could be an unlimited supply of clean energy. Plus, a Los Angeles city councilman’s brawl with a man at a holiday party. Then, as winter settles over Ukraine, access to power is becoming one of the most pressing concerns. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema declares she will leave the Democratic Party and will register as a political independent. Jake Tapper sits down for an exclusive interview to find out why she’s making this decision and if she would support Biden in 2024. Plus, Elon Musk says Twitter will roll out a new feature in response to “shadowbanning” claims. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After 294 days in Russian custody, basketball star Brittney Griner is on her way back to the United States. We examine the details of the prisoner swap, the negotiations, and look at the Russian prisoner in the exchange, Viktor Bout, nicknamed “Merchant of Death” by his accusers. Plus, the House passes a bill protecting same-sex and interracial marriages. Also, according to police, more arrests are expected in the German coup plot. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two documents with classified markings were found in a Florida storage unit during a search by a team hired by former President Trump. Plus, Senator Raphael Warnock has won reelection in Georgia marking the first time since 1934 that the party in charge of the White House picked up Senate and governor seats in a midterm election. Also, the Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case which could upend the American election system. 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

The North Carolina governor addresses the targeted attack on power substations leaving thousands of customers, including those in hospitals, without power in the December cold. Plus, a look at protestors in two different countries taking on two oppressive regimes. Could their demonstrations spark change in Iran and China? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The January 6 committee stares down a fast-approaching deadline to complete its work and Rep. Zoe Lofgren of the January 6 Select Committee joins to discuss the timelines of potential consequences including criminal referrals to the DOJ for members of Congress who ignored subpoenas. Plus, more than a dozen letters containing blood or explosives have been sent to Ukrainian diplomats around the world. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following the Senate vote to avert a rail shutdown, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joins to discuss the tentative agreement and paid sick leave for rail workers. Plus, a letter bomb was sent to the U.S. embassy in Spain, prompting increased security. Also, the Supreme Court keeps a block on the Biden student debt plan, scheduling arguments for February. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke about the landmark verdict in the Oath Keepers trial, calling the decision a significant victory for the American people. His remarks come after a jury found the founder of the far-right Oath Keepers and his deputy guilty of seditious conspiracy for their role in the Capitol insurrection. Plus, the House passes legislation to avoid a rail strike and shutdown. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress is going around labor union negotiations to try to prevent a rail strike that President Biden says would devastate the U.S. economy. Also, a consequential and controversial vote on same-sex marriage legislation is drawing criticism from both the religious right and the LGBTQ community. Plus, how DNA evidence helped a couple find their missing daughter 51 years after she was kidnapped. Then, two Oath Keepers members have been found guilty of sedition. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republican officials remain largely publicly silent after Trump posted and dined with two antisemites at Mar-a-Lago. Top House Republican Rep. James Comer joins to discuss why Republicans do not speak out about Trump’s actions more often. Plus, Dr. Fauci joins to discuss the protests in China as its citizens fight against new Covid-19 restrictions. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight we lead with new details about the recent shooting in a Walmart in Chesapeake, VA – a note has been found on the shooters phone that details grievances he had with colleagues and himself. In world news - New clues in a deadly mystery of a North Carolina woman who died on vacation in Mexico and a man vanishes from the Carnival cruise ship Valour and is found alive 15 hours later in the middle of the sea. And Black Friday is upon us again and crowds are as big as ever, despite inflation and recession fears. A senate race in Georgia is on the line and there is a push for early in-person voting rather than mail in voting. Kasie Hunt is in for Jake Tapper To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN shares live coverage of a press conference with Moscow, Idaho’s police force, as they update the public about their investigation into the killings of four University of Idaho students. They issue a plea to the public to come forward with evidence. This, as the second mass shooting hits the U.S. in less than a week; a Walmart employee in Virginia shot and killed 6 coworkers. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Lindsey Graham testifies before a Georgia Grand Jury in the probe of efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. With the 2024 election on the horizon, Biden plans to spend the holiday mulling over whether to run. Plus, CNN talks to army veteran Richard Fierro, who tackled and disarmed the Colorado gunman, saving countless lives in the Club Q tragedy. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A gunman opened fire at a nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing at least five people before patrons confronted and disarmed him. Prosecutors say they are ready to convict the suspect, and CNN talks to a victim. Plus, Biden pokes fun at Republicans at the annual turkey pardon, and Iranians speak out against the assaults and brutality they have endured from the Iranian regime, as the World Cup continues in Qatar. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Department of Justice has appointed Jack Smith to be special counsel to oversee the criminal investigation into former President Trump regarding the potential mishandling of national secrets. The special counsel will also oversee parts of Trump’s role in the events leading up to the Capitol riots. Plus, a look at why home heating prices have been rising across 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

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is stepping aside as the head of House Democrats while Republicans look to investigate Hunter Biden. Also, a look into the bankruptcy that is throwing the entire crypto market into a tailspin. Plus, Rep. Zoe Lofgren joins to discuss Mike Pence’s comments about testifying before the January 6th committee. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mitch McConnell beats Rick Scott to keep his Republican leadership position in the Senate. Plus, the missile which landed in Poland recently may have been an accident from a Ukraine as it defended itself from Russian missile strikes. Also, outgoing Republican Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker joins to discuss former President Donald Trump's impact on Republicans in the 2022 midterm election and lessors he learned as a GOP governor in a blue state. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A reported missile strike beyond the borders of Ukraine hits NATO member Poland. The weaponry and who may be behind the event remain unclear, but the explosions occurred the same time Russia launched its biggest wave of missile attacks on Ukrainian cities in more than month. Plus, Kevin McCarthy wins the GOP nomination for speaker of the House. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices