The Lead with Jake Tapper

Apocalyptic scenes across the Los Angeles area as four out-of-control, unconfined wildfires quickly sweep through this heavily populated region. Officials are telling residents to be ready to evacuate their homes at a moment’s notice. The fires have already killed at least two people and injured countless others in just a matter of hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An election win officially certified today. President-elect Donald Trump, one step closer to taking office again. January 6, today, nothing like January 6, 2021, when Mr. Trump's supporters violently stormed the US Capitol, disrupting what should have been a peaceful process. Plus, Trump's new right-hand man, Elon Musk, now going after top European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keri Starmer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protest votes before Mike Johnson is re-elected as House speaker. Message sent today by a handful of Republicans, but was it received? And in New Orleans, barriers on Bourbon Street that were not there before, might they been able to stop the terrorist attack that killed 14 innocent people? Plus, the links between alcohol and cancer, risks apparently so urgent the US Surgeon General today, calling for warning labels - will those happen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Bourbon Street reopens and a major football game kicks off, new details emerge about the deadly New Years day terror attack that killed 14 people. We examine the timeline, new surveillance footage, and chilling details about witnesses who likely saw key evidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The tributes are pouring in to honor the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter who died yesterday at the age of 100. We bring you details of his official state funeral in Washington DC. Tonight, a look at his lasting foreign policy initiatives, his life in the White House, his family, and his humanitarian work post presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Delta Airlines is under major security scrutiny after a person with no ticket or boarding pass gets on a flight. This is the second time this has happened to Delta in just five weeks. Plus, health officials discover changes to the virus in the person who currently has the most severe case of bird flu in the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What brought down a passenger jet on Christmas Day? Signs are pointing to Russian anti-aircraft fire and United States officials are now weighing in. Plus, Donald Trump’s aggressive Christmas message, it wasn’t holly and jolly for Panama, Canada, or Greenland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More dramatic scenes in New York as Luigi Mangione is back in court, this time to face state charges. We break down what Mangione’s lawyer is accusing prosecutors of and why she’s going after New York City mayor Eric Adams. Plus, the House Ethics Committee releases its damning report about former Congressman Matt Gaetz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tragedy is unfolding now in Germany after driver plowed his car through a crowded Christmas market about 90 miles southwest of Berlin. Plus, sources say the House of Representatives is expected to vote this hour on a series of bills to avoid a government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are less than 48 hours from a federal shutdown the United States. CNN is learning lawmakers are emerging from House Speaker Johnson’s office saying that there is an agreement between Republicans on a funding plan that could avoid a shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a surprise reversal and secret vote, the House Ethics Committee decides to release its repot on Matt Gaetz, the original Trump pick for attorney general. What did the committee learn about the allegations of sexual misconduct? Plus, a Trump ally in Congress recommends that Liz Cheney should be criminally prosecuted. Is this the beginning of criminally prosecuting people who opposed Trump? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luigi Mangione has now been charged with first degree murder in the death of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. Prosecutors released an 11 count indictment. Mangione faces a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New details about today’s tragic school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. A law enforcement source now tells CNN the shooter was a female teenage student at a private K-12 school. Plus, Tulsi Gabbard declines to answer if she regrets meeting with Bashar al-Assad, the former president of Syria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New mysterious drone sightings, first in New Jersey and now beyond. Even a sitting U.S. senator has seen them. What is behind them and why won’t anybody tell us? Plus, a major change of plans in the investigation into the CEO killing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A slew of questions emerge surrounding mysterious drone sightings. Should Americans be worried? Should the United States military shoot them down? Who is controlling them? Plus, after pardoning his own son, President Biden sets a record by granting clemency for 1,500 people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A positive match, the gun and shell casings, along with fingerprints are among the brand new details from detectives which add layers in the case of a CEO’s murder. The suspected killer’s manifesto also cements a motive. Plus, a padlocked prison cell in Syria is shot open only to discover an inmate alive and CNN cameras were there as it happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Detectives say they have new evidence that proves the suspected CEO killer is responsible for the murder. Plus, CNN is in Syria, inside the palace of former President Bashar al-Assad. Also, in one single hour a California wildfire tripled in size. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A major arrest is made six days into the CEO murder manhunt. A 26-year-old is now in custody, saying in a note according to a source “these parasites had it coming.” Plus, CNN is in Syria with the Assad regime toppled. Who is going to take over leadership in the country now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New York Police Department told CNN moments ago that the suspect in the murder of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has likely left New York City. They cited video of the suspected shooter entering a Port Authority bus terminal and not leaving the terminal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the New York City manhunt, brand new surveillance footage appears to show the man who killed the UnitedHealthcare CEO. Plus, several powerful aftershocks hit the west coast after a major 7.0 earthquake occurs off the coast of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Hegseth is making his last stand on Capitol Hill, hoping to shore up support from lawmakers so he could run the Pentagon as President-elect Trump’s pick. Plus, an active manhunt is underway in New York City as police search for the gunman who shot and killed the CEO of UnitedHealthcare outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A close American ally declares martial law as protests emerge at South Korea’s parliament. What does this mean for a region already on edge? Plus, the president-elect’s cabinet picks are on Capitol Hill including the latest embattled nominee Pete Hegseth. We share what we’re learning about what Hegseth told senators behind closed doors about his confirmation process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Lady Jill Biden defends her husband’s decision to pardon his adult son Hunter after insisting for months he would not do so. Was that a boldface lie? We have the latest reaction. Plus, a look at President-elect Trump’s plans to upend the Justice Department as he kicks FBI director Christopher Wray to the curb and replaces him with Kash Patel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New details about bomb threats sent to a number of lawmakers while another Democrat is targeted. There is a common signature on the messages coming one day after the threats to several Trump administration picks. Plus, the Mexican president is disputing Trump and his description of their conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A stunning murder for hire plot targeting a detective. The suspect is a dentist who is already in jail for poisoning his wife. Plus, fears of a target list for the world’s richest man. The names of government employees were shared online by Elon Musk. Could their jobs and safety now be on the line? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden speaks at the White House after the Israeli security cabinet approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon. We examine what this could mean for the region and a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. Plus, President-elect Trump vows new tariffs on his first day in office. Business owners warn the costs will be passed down to consumers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special counsel Jack Smith drops two major cases against Donald Trump. We examine what this means for Trump and Jack Smith. Plus, what sources say about an internal investigation outing a character trying to make money off of his connection to Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former senator and WNBA team owner Kelly Loeffler is expected to be the next name in the Trump administration. Plus, Matt Gaetz is officially out of two jobs after announcing he will not return to Congress and withdrawing his name for consideration for attorney general. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former congressman Matt Gaetz will not be the next United States attorney general amid serious questions about statutory rape and other sexual misconduct allegations. The former congressman withdrew his name from President-elect Trump’s nomination process this afternoon. Plus, Donald Trump’s pick for education secretary is being sued for allegedly enabling the sexual abuse of children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House Ethics Committee spent hours behind closed doors and came out with no agreement on what to do about the report on Matt Gaetz. The fate of the committee investigation into allegations of sexual impropriety and statutory rape remain in limbo. Plus, for the first time in Russia’s war with Ukraine the U.S. fully closed its embassy in Kyiv. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect selects Mehmet Oz for a top health role. Plus, a deadly stabbing spree in New York City. Also, Trump was joined by Elon Musk for a SpaceX test flight of the most powerful launch vehicle ever built. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The president-elect is all in on Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, according to a source. But, what about that alleged sexual encounter with a 17-year-old girl which Gaetz denies? Today, some unbelievable details emerged in a related civil lawsuit while members of the House Ethics Committee debate whether they will make their report about the former congressman public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump tries to fill out the front lines of his incoming administration and named a communications director, an interior secretary, a personnel director, and pushed to fire FBI director Christopher Wray. Plus, House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks out after originally saying it would be inappropriate for him to weigh in on whether the House Ethics Committee should release its investigation of Matt Gaetz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to several people close to the situation, Donald Trump is on the verge of announcing RFK Jr. as his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. A devout skeptic of childhood vaccines, RFK Jr. endorsed Trump since he suspended his own presidential campaign in August and has been advising Trump’s transition team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump just announced on Truth Social that he is picking Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida to be the new United States attorney general. Gaetz is currently facing a House Committee on Ethics investigation over whether he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It has been one week since president-elect Trump’s historic win and his team is announcing new names for his incoming administration. One senator who pulled his name out of consideration for one of the biggest jobs joins to discuss. Plus, another outbreak of antisemitic violence in Amsterdam occurs and now police in France are on guard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump’s wants some of his latest picks for his brand new administration to be put in their jobs without congressional approval in recess appointments. Also, a split ticket truth, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is asking why people would vote for her and also Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The celebratory calls pour into Mar-a-Lago from leaders around the world, but one president found himself not only on the phone with Donald Trump but also Elon Musk. Plus, federal prosecutors announce charges in a thwarted plot to kill Donald Trump allegedly plotted by Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump is putting the pieces in place for his second term and his allies around him float names of who could be in the next Trump administration. Plus, a look at what President Joe Biden told Trump on the phone after the election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris spoke to supporters at Howard University after conceding the presidential race to Donald Trump. Four states are left to project: Arizona, Maine, Nevada, and Alaska. Michigan was called for Donald Trump giving him a full sweep of the blue wall states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All across the United States, from Arizona to Pennsylvania, Michigan to Georgia, and battlegrounds in between, the final hours are underway in one of the closest and most consequential presidential races ever. With the time to choose upon us, we bring you all the latest in this historic election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are in the final hours of this historic presidential campaign season. Nearly 79 million voters have already cast their ballots through mail or through early person voting. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are closing out their campaigns with sharply contrasting messages. Our panel of analysts break down what to expect tomorrow on Election Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris is in battleground Wisconsin as her campaign says it fully suspects Donald Trump to fully declare victory before all the votes are in. Plus, former President Trump is in Michigan one day after he called Liz Cheney a war hawk who should have guns trained at her face to see how it feels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The final stretch of the election arrives as presidential transition starts to enter view with new hints today about who might be in a Trump administration and who is already out. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris is calling out Donald Trump for saying he would protect women whether the women would like it or not. Can she galvanize voters on that message? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is taking advantage of President Biden’s gaffe in which he seemingly referred to Trump supporters as garbage. Biden denies that’s what he meant but now Kamala Harris is trying to distance herself from the remark if not the president. Plus, the Supreme Court allows a battleground state to remove folks from their voter rolls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a scene described as utterly catastrophic, an Israeli airstrike hits a multistory building in Gaza and nearly 100 people are killed. CNN is in the region with the aftermath. Plus, we are just one week away from the election and Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina joins to weigh in on Harris’ chances of winning in that swing state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New fallout after Trump’s weekend rally where a comedian called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage. Do undecided voters care? Plus, a new lawsuit is asking if artificial intelligence is to blame for a 14-year-old’s suicide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell call out Kamala Harris saying that it is her rhetoric that is flaming the flames of political animus. We analyze these remarks. Plus, in a stunning proposal, a Republican leader in a battleground state reportedly wants to do away with election process all together and anoint Trump that states’ electoral votes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Under the backdrop of many, many threats, election workers are getting ready to count votes as election lies take hold. Plus, we are awaiting if the Melendez brothers get a chance to have their life sentences reconsidered. Also, there are only 13 days until Election Day and the race is getting even more heated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris is calling out Donald Trump after he reportedly dismissed a fallen army soldier as a “f***ing Mexican” not worth the $60,000 burial. Plus, we are counting down to the CNN presidential town hall with Kamala Harris tonight. Also, a look at the humanitarian crisis overwhelming Sudan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices