The Lead with Jake Tapper

Trump takes a controversial step towards dismantling the Department of Education. We examine what this order aims to change and not change about education in America. Since the president does not have the standing to destroy the department, we look at how he is attempting to dismantle it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration is not backing off from attacking judges who rule against them. So, how far can and will President Trump go if he does not like a judge’s orders? Plus, as lawmakers face voters at home from Trump to DOGE to the economy and immigration, Republicans are getting an earful. Yet, Democrats are also getting an earful about entirely different issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Astronauts splash down off the coast of Florida, finally coming home after their week long mission in space became nearly a ten month stay on the International Space Station. Plus, Putin agrees to pause attacks on some Ukraine targets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A court battle just wrapped about whether the Trump White House violated a judge’s order when the Trump administration deported alleged gang members from the United States to El Salvador. Plus, Trump is now claiming Biden’s preemptive pardons of the members of the House January 6th Committee, among others, are void. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A vote on a stopgap funding bill which would avoid a government shutdown exposes a major fracture among congressional Democrats who are unhappy with how party leaders are taking on Trump. Plus, President Trump visits the Department of Justice and delivers a norm-shattering speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A top Trump administration official is in Moscow trying to get a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal closer to the finish line. President Trump says the progress is promising but is Putin just stringing everybody along? Plus, agencies across the federal government are facing a deadline today to explain how they plan to carry out mass layoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions between the United States and European allies were on full display inside the Oval Office after President Trump promised to fight back even more after Canada and Europe retaliated against Trump's tariffs. Plus, updates on a potential government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump threatens Canada with yet another tariff as markets go on another wild ride. Peter Navarro, a top trade advisor to Trump, joins to discuss what Trump’s strategy may be. Also, is there a White House push to restore gun rights to actor Mel Gibson who was convicted of domestic violence? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Markets plunge one day after Trump would not say whether he thinks the United States is headed for a recession. Plus, Musk says his platform X, formerly Twitter, was hit by a cyber attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One day after easing most tariffs President Trump is now slapping northern neighbors with a new round. Plus, a reported explosive Trump cabinet meeting with a tense moment between Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First it was just auto imports, then it was tariffs on Mexico, now President Trump is saying all imports under the trade deal with Mexico and Canada are suspended. What made him flip? The markets react to every single twitch the President makes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After an urgent call with Canada’s prime minster and conversations with America’s big three carmakers, Trump is delaying auto tariffs only. But, what about everything else from gas to electronics? We examine how consumers could be hit hard. Plus, a look at how DOGE eliminating roles at NOAA could hurt lifesaving forecasts when the next storm rolls in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A look at what to expect at Trump’s first address to Congress in his second term, including what special guests are expected to attend as well as who is boycotting the speech. Plus, Trump’s long-threatened tariffs on Mexico and Canada took effect today and concerns of a global trade war grow as the DOW Index fell 670 points. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukraine’s president says the war with Russia is far from over which ignited a stinging response from President Trump. We examine what this back and fourth could mean for future United States support for Ukraine as well as the survival of Ukraine. Plus, a look at the attempt by DOGE to charge another federal agency millions of dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A hostile meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office devolved into a shouting match. Now, so many questions emerge about what comes next. Is this relationship irreparably broken and what does this mean for a potential ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife are found dead in their home and police say circumstances are suspicious enough in nature to require an investigation. Plus, President Trump holds court with the prime minister of Britain to largely discuss the future of the conflict in Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The very first Cabinet meeting of Trump’s second term shows a noteworthy performance of Elon Musk. We examine what Elon Musk revealed about Trump telling him to be more aggressive. Plus, a death from the measles outbreak in Texas is recorded. It is the first death in the United States from measles in a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Technology experts quit en mass from DOGE. Skilled workers who say they refuse to legitimize DOGE’s budget slashing actions and attempts to gain access to Americans’ personal data. Plus, another close call at an airport calls into question what is happening with air travel recently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A look at the 500 billion dollar investment by Apple in a major expansion project for the tech company. Plus, a controversial hire by President Trump by putting Dan Bongino in place as the deputy director of the FBI. We examine what the former secret service agent turned MAGA podcaster will be in charge of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On recess some Republicans got an earful from their constituents as Americans voice their concerns about a DOGE gone wild. Plus, a look at what went down in the courtroom with Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing a UnitedHealthcare CEO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of Trump’s most controversial picks, Kash Patel, has been confirmed by the Senate to head the FBI. Plus, an up close look at Iranian drones. Also, Trump is maintaining his inaccurate claim that Ukraine started the war with Russia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump slaps Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with the title of “dictator” without applying the same label to Vladimir Putin. Plus, after some federal workers have been fired only to be rehired, what is going on with federal workers and who is overseeing the chaotic termination process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States and Russia just advanced their talks in how to end Russia’s war in Ukraine but they left out the leaders of Ukraine. Plus, who is really running DOGE? We examine what the Trump administration wrote in court filings about Elon Musk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At least 18 people were injured after a plane crash at Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Delta Air Lines flight with 80 people on board from Minneapolis ended upside down on the runway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President JD Vance delivers a speech few saw coming. He almost berated long time United States allies, accusing them of suppressing free speech and losing control of immigration. Plus, a seventh prosecutor on the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams quits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump announced his plan today for even more tariffs saying it will benefit the United States in the long run even if it hurts your wallet in the short term. We examine when you could see those spikes and those savings. European officials are warning about what a United States deal with Russia to end the war in Ukraine might entail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump dishes on his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and then his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Plus, the price of eggs is rising at a rate not seen in nearly a decade and that is not the only common item seeing a price hike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How far can the Trump administration go as the president engages in operation disruption? Plus, the battle between billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman, the head of the company OpenAI. Also, a look at this year’s flu season, the most severe in at least 15 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From layoffs to budget cuts, over and over judges are shutting Trump’s plan to overhaul the federal government. But, did his administration just hint at how it will push back? Plus, large protests in Israel after an announcement from Hamas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sign outside USAID headquarters was taken down, scraped off one letter at a time. This as the Trump administration orders supervisors across the federal government to decide which employees to retain and which ones to release. Employees and managers are taking Trump to court claiming it is not legal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are eggs safe to eat in the United Sates? When will egg prices finally stop climbing? And how worried do we need to be about bird flu? Plus, one of the richest men in the world visits the White House today. But, what was on the agenda? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An onslaught of questions emerges for President Trump who suggested a takeover of Gaza. He called for U.S. troops to possibly move in and millions of Palestinians to move out. We look at what the White House is saying about the president’s plans. Plus, USAID employees around the world will be placed on leave in a matter of days, ordered to return to the United States if they are abroad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst a critical time in the war as the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal is yet to be negotiated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump just spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just minutes ago. With sweeping 25% United States tariffs on most Canadian products set to take effect at midnight, Trump has already agreed to delay tariffs on Mexico after a call with Mexico’s president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New reporting today on the flight paths before the deadly collision that killed 67 people. How much does new surveillance video explain? And what went so tragically wrong? Plus, President Trump’s new tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China are coming tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Search and rescue has turned into search and recovery in the Potomac River after a collision between an American Airlines jet and a United States Army Black Hawk helicopter which left no expected survivors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The freeze on federal grants and loans has been rescinded after the Monday night memo confused so many Americans including congressional Republicans. Plus, a heated hearing on Capitol Hill as RFK Jr. faced tough questions from lawmakers during his Senate confirmation hearing today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nonprofits are lining up to sue the Trump administration after they pause federal funds and grants. The White House says Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security won’t be touched. But, what about everything else? Trump aide Stephen Miller joins to discuss the start of this new Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration kicks off week number two with two major overhauls. One, who gets to serve in the United States military. Two, who is in the United States illegally with new rules and raids happening nationwide. Plus, tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza return to their homes. But, what are they coming home to? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the battered towns in North Carolina to the burned out neighborhoods in California, President Trump is touring damage on both coasts today but he is also suggesting that he might end the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Months after losing their homes and belongings to Hurricane Helene, families are telling CNN they are still living in limbo unsure of how long the government will help them with hotels as they try to get back on their feet. Plus, new Republican senators come out against President Trump’s pick for secretary of defense Pete Hegseth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just days after getting pardoned by Donald Trump, some January 6th defendants can soon return to the scene of the crime after being invited by a group of House Republicans. Plus, Prince Harry’s lawsuit is settled with a British tabloid and a look at the alleged illegal tactics of phone hacking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Criticism rises for President Trump’s sweeping pardons for January 6th criminals including those who violently attacked law enforcement officers. Some Republicans are calling the pardons outright wrong but others are focusing their blame on Joe Biden for his pardons including of his family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A major change of plans for the second inauguration of Donald Trump as plans for an outdoor swearing in have been scraped due to frigid cold temperatures. Plus, the United States Supreme Court is allowing the controversial TikTok ban to remain in place. So, how will it be enforced? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A fragile plan is tentatively still in place as disagreements lead to a delay on the final vote for a ceasefire-hostage deal. We bring you new reaction this hour. Plus, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders joins to discuss updates in the Trump nominee confirmation hearings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel and Hamas have reached phase one of a hostage and ceasefire deal. The news was met with joyous celebrations in Gaza and at gatherings at hostage square in Tel Aviv. President Biden confirmed the deal this afternoon noting that it was made possible by negotiators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New danger zones emerge in the Los Angeles area amid fears the dangerous winds are about to pick back up. Plus, lingering questions about the water supply in Los Angeles. Also, could Elon Musk take over TikTok? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging ceasefire deal. Plus, officials in Los Angeles are warning residents to make their evacuation plans now after increasing extreme winds are raising the danger of spreading wildfires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More deaths and more property scorched as the relentless fires continue to burn in California. We are standing by to get updates from authorities. Plus, a historic day in court as President-elect Trump is sentenced in the New York hush money case. Also, the Supreme Court hears a case that could mean the end of TikTok in the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The biggest fire right now remains the Palisades Fire near Santa Monica, burning more than 17,000 acres. Today, officials are facing questions and criticism over the city’s response to the fires. We speak with the Los Angeles County fire chief. Plus, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to CNN after announcing his resignation. And President Joe Biden addresses the massive California wildfires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices