The Lead with Jake Tapper

A new witness in Donald Trump’s hush money cover up trial, the prosecution just called its third witness, Gary Farrow, a banker who worked with Michael Cohen at the time the payments were made to former Playboy model Karen McDougal and porn actress and director Stormy Daniels, both of whom alleged romantic entanglements with Donald Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the New York hush money trial, Donald Trump’s defense team is now cross-examining the prosecution’s first witness, former tabloid executive David Pecker. This is Pecker’s third day on the stand and today for the very first time he described the deal he helped broker with adult film star Stormy Daniels. A deal that is at the center of the case.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protests are underway across United States colleges and universities after weeks of tension over the Israel-Hamas war. Our reporters report live from campuses where protests continue. House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks at Columbia University amid the protests.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former tabloid publisher David Pecker is under oath and on the record revealing just how far Donald Trump went allegedly to protect his 2016 presidential campaign. But, when it comes to whether Trump committed a felony in the process, how damaging was today’s testimony? Plus, what Pecker said went down in the room in the infamous meeting in August of 2015 that could hurt Donald Trump’s case nearly nine years later.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The prosecution and defense sparred in opening statements during Donald Trump's hush money scheme. Did Trump violate a gag order? Crisis on college campuses; are Jewish students safe at School? Calls increase for Columbia University's President to resign over handling of antisemitism. Plus, the Supreme Court is set to decide if cities can punish people who are homeless, and a U.S. animation studio's work has been found on a North Korean server. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A horrific scene outside of Trump’s New York City courthouse after a man lit himself on fire while inside the courthouse there was a major development in the hush money trial. How long can the prosecution hold out and keep its witness list outside of the hands of Donald Trump and his defense team? Also, in an extraordinary move, some 165 House Democrats came to the aid of Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, drawing the ire of hard-line Republicans.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The shocking actions that leads to two jurors in the Trump hush money case suddenly being dismissed in an unusual occurrence. Plus, name calling and fresh threats for House Speaker Mike Johnson by hard-right Republicans demanding he keep his hands off the rule which, as of now, allows just one member of Congress to force a vote to remove him as speaker.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Speaker Mike Johnson finds a way to allow votes on aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan but it’s his path forward that has his party in an uproar. Speaker Johnson joins to answer if he needs helps from Democrats. Plus, a brand new filing from the hush money case includes a line of questioning the prosecution may take if Trump takes the stand.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A deep divide in the U.S. Supreme Court is on display today as justices challenge whether prosecutors have been overzealous using obstruction charges against rioters. Plus, a valedictorian’s speech is canceled, the criticism about the muslim student that lead to objections on the campus of the University of Southern California.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day one of the New York hush money cover up case against Donald Trump wraps. A playboy model will be allowed to testify and the infamous Access Hollywood tape will not be allowed to be aired in court. Plus, a critical meeting at the Capitol as House Speaker Johnson is weighing his next move in the wake of the weekend attack from Iran. Will Speaker Johnson isolate support for Israel for an aid package without attaching new aid for Ukraine?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US has been on high alert for a significant Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel in recent days as fears grow of a wider regional war. Plus, the House passed a modified surveillance bill, just two days after an earlier version failed to advance in a public rebuke to GOP leadership. The bill, which reauthorizes the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, also needs to pass the Senate ahead of an April 19 deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

O.J. Simpson, Heisman Trophy winner most known for the double murders of his ex-wife and Ron Goldman, the crimes of which he was infamously acquitted, has died of cancer at the age of 76. Plus, comedian Conan O’Brien joins in studio to discuss his latest project.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In classic Donald Trump fashion, the former president is giving his supporters whiplash after blasting both Arizona and Florida for their abortion bans just two days after saying abortion should be left up the states. Plus, another Hail Mary appeal hearing from Donald Trump as his legal team tries to stop the Stormy Daniels case from beginning. Also, from tornado warnings to flash flood emergencies, the United States is on severe weather alert as dangerous storms move in.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled the state must comply with a 160-year-old law barring all abortions, the only exception being to save a pregnant woman’s life. There are no exceptions for incest or rape. Plus, Donald Trump is rejected again in yet another attempt to delay the New York hush money trial.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump weighed in on abortion saying he believes states should decide abortion legislation. The former president did not indicate the number of weeks during a pregnancy at which he thought it would be appropriate to ban abortion but reiterated his support for certain exceptions. Plus, the State Department said 304 aid trucks entered Gaza yesterday, the highest number since the war began.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The strongest earthquake to rock New Jersey in more than 240 years. There are reports of structural damage. Plus, two Israeli military officers were fired in connection for the airstrike which killed seven aid workers in Gaza. Will Israel do more in the wake of criticism of the deadly strike? Also, Bob Costas joins to discuss March Madness college basketball.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden warned Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States could change its policies toward Israel if they do not stop the killing of innocent civilians. Sen. Bernie Sanders joins to discuss. Also, Donald Trump was rejected by two judges in separate criminal cases today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the strongest rebuke yet, special counsel Jack Smith goes in blasting how judge Aileen Cannon is handling the classified documents case in Florida. We lay out what has the prosecutors so upset. Also, Chef Jose Andres speaks out and accuses the Israeli military of systematically targeting his aid workers and killing them in Gaza.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel apologizes for a strike that killed aid workers delivering food in Gaza. Unintentional targets is how Israel describes the drone strike that killed seven aid workers from all over the world working for the World Central Kitchen organization. Plus, the new Republican attempt to rename an international airport after Donald J. Trump. Also, a look at what could be a last chance to write in some small way, a major wrong more than 100 years for the horrific Tulsa race massacre.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Atlanta, an orange SUV rammed into the gate of an FBI field office. Plus, brand new images of the aftermath of a deadly airstrike. Iran says the attack hit a consulate building in Syria. Also, as crews begin hauling debris from the river where a bridge collapsed in Baltimore, authorities update plans on reopening a Maryland port.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Specifics measures revealed on the massive operation to reopen a critical shipping port and to get that collapsed bridge off a cargo ship in Baltimore including cutting the bridge into pieces, tug boats, barges, and cranes. We ask a Republican who calls himself a budget hawk about the role of congress. Plus, what has so many fish freaked out near Florida spinning and swimming upside down? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sentencing day for Sam Bankman-Fried who will spend decades behind bars for one of the biggest financial fraud cases ever. Will the customers he swindled ever get their money back? Also, in the wake of the Baltimore bridge collapse, how many other bridges across the country are at risk of falling?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Investigators all day were aboard the ship responsible for the catastrophic bridge collapse in Baltimore, interviewing crew and doing inspections as the families of six bridge workers hold out hope remains will be recovered. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins to discuss. As well, the head of the Army Corps of Engineers joins to discuss the enormous effort to clear all that mangled metal and reopen this major east coast shipping port. Also, CNN's John King on how Arizona voters feel about Biden or Trump as the November election creeps closer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

State and federal officials have confirmed there is an active search and rescue effort in Baltimore after a cargo ship struck a bridge, causing it to collapse. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott joins to provide updates as crews search for six missing people.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump was given ten more days to pay his bond and the amount he owes was cut down. Also, Trump’s hush money trial will begin on April 15th. Plus, Israel cancels a high-stakes Washington visit after the United States allows a UN Gaza ceasefire resolution to pass.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gunman opened fire on crowds at a concert hall in Moscow. At least forty people have been killed and one hundred plus people have been wounded according to Russian media who have called the attack an act of terrorism. Plus, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has been diagnosed with cancer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The court filings are going in to start the process in case Donald Trump cannot meet the requirement for his New York bond. Plus, outrage on Capitol Hill as Republicans are furious over the last minute release of a bill to fund the government through September. Also, CNN is on the ground in Haiti as violent gangs try to take over the few parts of the country they don’t already control.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The controversial Texas immigration law that was on hold, then not on hold, then on hold, could soon be not on hold again. An appeals court today weighed whether state authority should have the power to arrest and deport anyone the United States illegally given that immigration is typically a federal enforcement issue. CNN is in Texas with what happens now. Plus, a push by Israeli extremists to take over Gaza and kick Palestinians out. How out of the mainstream in Israel is this proposed ethnic cleansing of Gaza?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will it be a fire sale for former President Trump as Trump himself floats the idea while he comes up with a way to pay New York State for his financial fraud and his multi-million dollar bond that grows interest by the day? Plus, CNN is at the prison where a former Trump aide now sits behind bars. Also, sentencing day for members of the six Mississippi law enforcement officers whom prosecutors say brutally tortured two black men.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where disinformation prevails and democracy fails Putin celebrates a resounding win, cementing another six years in power after the Russian presidential election. Plus, Haiti collapses into a gang-state and CNN is in the capitol to capture how violence is the law of the land. Also, Jake meets C.J. Rice after he finally tastes freedom after spending 12 years in prison for a crime he says he could not have committed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nathan Wade, the top prosecutor in Donald Trump’s Georgia election interference case, resigns hours after district attorney Fani Willis was given an ultimatum: either he goes, or she does. So, where does the case against Trump go from here? Plus, utter devastation after a string of tornadoes hits the midwest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moments ago the prosecutor in the New York Trump hush money payment case said he would be okay with a 30-day delay. This as the former president spent the day in a Florida courtroom as his lawyers argued for broad leeway under the Presidential Records Act as a reason to throw out the classified documents case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six charges have been dismissed in the election subversion case in Fulton County, Georgia. A judge says a lack of detail led to his decision. What does this mean for the rest of Fani Willis's case? Plus, a bill forcing TikTok to cut ties with China passes in the House with huge bipartisan support. But, will it pass in the Senate? And, should the U.S. Senate be in the business of banning companies?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special counsel Robert Hur could have brought charges against President Biden and today explained on Capitol Hill why he did not. Republicans asked why there weren’t charges despite a report finding Joe Biden knowingly mishandled classified documents. Democrats accused Hurt of playing politics with his report. Plus, why did the Justice Department release a transcript of Biden's interview with Robert Hur just as the special counsel was showing up on Capitol Hill? We break down what the transcript reveals.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Trump Employee 5”, a man named Brian Butler, an employee of Trump for 20 years, is a central witness in the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents. He is now speaking publicly because he believes that voters should hear the truth about his former boss and the case before the November election.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The man Trump belittles as Sleepy Joe seemed quite fiery last night as the president tries to flip the script launching a campaign blitz just one day after his forceful State of the Union address. Plus, Donald Trump's one-on-one at Mar-a-Lago today, meeting with Hungary's Viktor Orban, the authoritarian leader known for anti-immigration nationalist rhetoric and who often cozies up to Vladimir Putin. Also, see what happened when CNN confronted Israeli protesters determined to make sure little food, if any, makes it into Gaza despite the overwhelming humanitarian crisis.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden is expected to deliver his State of the Union address tonight in a high-stakes moment to convince voters to give him a second term in the White House. The president's speech is expected to include calls for higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. He also plans to take a swipe at former President Donald Trump, vow to restore Roe and acknowledge his age.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nikki Haley exits and clears the way for a Biden-Trump rematch. The president is making a play for her voters while Donald Trump is racking up some new GOP endorsements including a big one from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Also, a look at the chances of a third-party candidate jumping into this race this hour. The chief strategist for No Labels party joins.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All nine Supreme Court justices agree that Colorado cannot kick Trump off its 2024 ballots regardless of what he did on January 6th. There is a sharp divide in the court over important details despite this unanimous ruling. Plus, we'll get reaction from Trump's top Republican challenger, Nikki Haley, and from a conservative judge who thought the U.S. Supreme Court should disqualify Trump. Also, CNN is on the ground in yet another war torn country, this time its Haiti. We’re there to see up close how the explosion of gangs and crime have taken over.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fani Willis' fate is now in a judge's hands. She's the woman who charged Donald Trump with attempting to overturn the 2020 election in the state of Georgia. But now she herself is facing allegations of an improper relationship with the special prosecutor she put on the case. The judge says he'll make his decision in about two weeks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden and Donald Trump are both in Texas trying to blame each other for the crisis at the border. Republicans and Democrats who represent border towns weigh in. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Trump's legal team is pushing back as yet another state has tried to take him off its 2024 ballot. Also on today's show: We explore the chaos on the coast in Gaza after the Israeli military opened fire as crowds rushed food aid trucks. More than 100 people are believed to have been killed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mitch McConnell is stepping down as Senate Republican leader, though he is going to stay on as the senator from Kentucky. The new era of Republican politics is now loading. Plus, a monster wildfire is exploding in Texas, burning through land 11 times the size of Washington, D.C. Also, President Biden’s met with his doctor for his annual physical in what is expected to be the last update on Biden’s health before November’s election.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was cornered by the president of the United States and his fellow top congressional leaders at what is being called by the Senate majority leader as of one of the most intense meetings he's ever been to in the Oval Office. Plus, CNN's Christiane Amanpour returns to Bucha, Ukraine, two years later. Also, we are very close to learning whether President Biden has a major problem in a crucial battleground state of Michigan.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A small but determined group of Democrats want to seize the moment and use the power of the vote in battleground Michigan to send a message to President Biden. They are demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and military aid cut off to Israel. They want Democrats tomorrow to vote uncommitted instead for Biden. Congressman Dean Phillips, Biden's top democratic challenger in the primary race, joins.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The governor of California, one of the main Democrats floated, perhaps more than anyone else, as an alternative to Joe Biden, Gavin Newsom joins. Is he all in on President Biden's reelection bid? Gov. Newsom also discusses how he is trying to fix the problems in his state such as illegal immigration and skyrocketing homeless numbers. Plus, after two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, are Putin and his forces closer to threatening a NATO country in European territory? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden shares unfiltered remarks on what he really thinks not just about Putin but also Donald Trump. Nikki Haley joins this hour to discuss the latest in the presidential race. Plus, an investigation is launched into a widespread cell phone outage. What cut service for so long for tens of thousands of AT&T customers?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden appears to be possibly on somewhat shaky ground after the Justice Department alleged that the former FBI informant who appeared to have dirt on President Biden was actually peddling lies and getting his dirt from Russian intelligence. Plus, at look at the woman with the dual U.S.-Russian citizenship who was detained in Russia.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new warning from the Biden administration is that tough new sanctions are on the way for Russia for both the war in Ukraine and for the suspicious death of Putin's prominent critic Alexey Navalny. This as the Kremlin insists Navalny's remains cannot be released. Why not? Plus, what sources are now telling CNN about President Biden's new aggressive plan to go after the “crazy” statements that Donald Trump makes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The widow of Alexey Navalny shares a new message for Russians to not be silent. She is accusing the Kremlin of hiding her husband's body, alleging that he was poisoned and urging Russians to take to the streets after his death. CNN is in Russia as police are rounding up hundreds of people mourning Putin's fiercest critic. Plus, the late night skit that has disgraced former congressman George Santos coming after Jimmy Kimmel in court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an absolutely staggering financial penalty for Donald Trump, a New York state judge ordered the former president and his companies to pay nearly $355 million for committing fraud. The judge found that Trump submitted “blatantly false” financial data when he applied for loans allowing him to get more favorable rates. There is one small victory in the ruling for Mr. Trump, the judge is not ordering the dissolution of the Trump organizations as prosecutors had asked for.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Georgia election subversion case against Donald Trump and 14 of his allies took a stunning turn when two top prosecutors testified under oath about their romantic relationship. Allegations of self-dealing have the potential to derail the indictment. However, nothing that happened today undercut the factual allegations against Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, or the other GOP allies who are accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A woman was shot five times by deputies after they mistook her for an intruder. She was not. Thankfully, she survived. We have the new body cam video and her attorney, Ben Crump, is in studio. Plus, after nine years away, Jon Stewart is back behind his desk managing to get under the skin of some Democrats. Also, voters in New York's third congressional district are braving today's winter storm in order to replace former congressman George Santos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two Israeli hostages were rescued in Gaza by the IDF and new footage shows the early morning raid in Rafah. The White House says they’re concerned about some 100 Palestinians reportedly killed in the joint Israeli operation. President Biden makes remarks with the king of Jordan after calling Israel’s actions over the top just last week.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamala Harris is leading the charge to defend President Biden in the wake of a special counsel repot that makes serious allegations about Biden's diminished faculties and faulty memory. He went before cameras yesterday to disprove the point and ended up calling the president of Egypt the president of Mexico. Also, fear grips citizens in in Gaza as Israel signals it is preparing for a new ground incursion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A scathing special counsel report released laid out in detail how President Biden's mishandled classified materials. The report includes photographs of documents, showing them kept under his TV in his Delaware home and classified documents about Afghanistan barely stored. However, the special counsel concluded the evidence does not establish Mr. Biden's guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, therefore prosecution would be unwarranted. Also, Colorado’s 2024 presidential ballot will likely include Trump after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republicans in both the House and Senate are in what can be called disarray after failing to keep their party in line on the issues they demanded action on. Democratic Senator Joe Manchin joins to discuss the disfunction. Plus, we are one day away from Donald Trump’s first real case before the Supreme Court. He is trying to keep his name on election ballots in states across country.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump's presidential immunity claim was rejected today by three federal judges. A conservative former judge is taking us inside the ruling and shares his take on what may play out if Donald Trump takes the case to the U.S. Supreme Court where he appointed three of the justices. Plus, frustration from Capitol Hill all the way to the border with a bipartisan immigration bill on the brink of collapse. Independent Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema helped write the bill and she joins to discuss what options, if any, are left. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Migrants risking their lives crossing the Rio Grande river underscore the need for urgent action at the border. This morning, Texas authorities pulled a woman and child from the cold waters. Meanwhile, Republicans are set to meet one week after a bipartisan compromise deal was put on the table which now appears to be on the brink of collapse. We speak with a House Republican who has tough words for the deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brand-new CNN polls on the 2024 race. Has the Republican contest changed at all since Donald Trump swept Iowa and New Hampshire? Which GOP candidate fares better in head-to-head matchup against Joe Biden? Also, a scary warning ahead of the November election about artificial intelligence. Plus, the mother of the Oxford, Michigan school shooter takes the stand in her defense and shares what her son told her when she asked why he carried out the massacre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The heads of Facebook, TikTok and other social media companies were pummeled today with bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill over what the companies are and are not doing to protect your kids. We look at what led Mark Zuckerberg to stand up in the hearing and apologize. Also, a Pennsylvania man is accused of decapitating his father then posting a political rant online. Why was the horrifying video left up online for hours? Plus, we are expecting a major ruling at any moment from a judge that could have serious repercussions for Donald Trump and his future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden says he has decided how the U.S. will respond after the the deadly drone strike which killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan. A Pentagon spokesperson joins. Plus, Democratic Congresswoman Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) is under federal investigation for allegedly misusing campaign funds and hiring her husband for security.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Biden administration vows the U.S. shall respond after a drone attack killed three U.S. service members in Jordan. Plus, Israel spells out the actions of 13 United Nations aid workers accused of participating in the October 7th terrorist attacks including kidnapping Israelis. We examine what the allegations mean for this major relief group still operating in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A jury said that Donald Trump should pay $83.3 million in damages. The verdict was the second time over the past year that a jury has awarded E. Jean Carroll millions of dollars in damages from Trump for his defamatory statements disparaging her and denying her rape allegations. Donald Trump's legal team said they will "immediately appeal" the verdict.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bipartisan Senate border deal is at risk of death with Donald Trump urging senate Republicans to kill it so he can use the border as a central campaign issue against Joe Biden. Also, CNN is on the ground in the streets of Ecuador where gang violence plagues the country. This month gunman took over a TV station. Also, what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly said on a hot mic that could ruin negotiations to free hostages held by Hamas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nikki Haley gets ready to make her new pitch in South Carolina about why she believes she should stay in the race despite losses in both Iowa and New Hampshire. Plus, a big endorsement for President Biden today as his campaign sees 2024 closing in on a two-man race between Biden and Donald Trump. Also, Russia accuses Ukraine of shooting down a military plane, allegedly killing all 74 on board.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dean Phillips, Democratic congressman of Minnesota, joins to discuss what a successful result in the New Hampshire primary would look like and the importance of a large Democrat field of candidates. Plus, Donald Trump and Nikki Haley face off in New Hampshire tomorrow. CNN's John King asks Trump loyalists why they're so eager to vote for him again in 2024.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Tim Scott is expected to endorse Donald Trump, even though Nikki Haley appointed him to the Senate. Four days before the all important New Hampshire primary, will his pick make a difference? Plus, President Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for the first time in nearly a month as Netanyahu openly rejects the U.S.-backed plan for the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people and the possibility of a Palestinian state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Justice Department is out with its new Uvalde report and some families of victims killed that day speak out about the long list of failures the attorney general is calling out. Plus, a look at Donald Trump's latest immunity defense that presidents can do anything even when they cross the line. Also, Israel’s disturbing find in Gaza during a search mission to find hostages.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We look at Donald Trump’s outburst in court when the woman who the court concluded he of sexually abused and defamed took the stand. Also, at the White House, President Biden met with leaders of the House and Senate as Senate Republicans urged House Republicans to take a deal on immigration and the border. Plus, a look at how often it is that students who are the ones preventing planned classroom attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a blowout victory for Trump in Iowa, New Hampshire is next as Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley vow to stay in the fight. We go inside their campaigns to learn their battle plans after Vivek Ramaswamy and Asa Hutchinson suspend their campaigns. Plus, a new round of strikes on the Iranian-backed Houthi’s in Yemen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight’s The Lead showcast has been pre-empted for coverage of the Iowa caucuses. For recent news updates, be sure to visit CNN’s ‘5 Things’ at: https://edition.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/5-things Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran backed Houthi forces vow revenge after the U.S. and U.K. strike against them in Yemen. Will President Biden be ready for what may be next? Also, the chief spokesman for the Red Cross joins to discuss the organization's role in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Plus, will snow and subzero temperatures impact turnout for the Iowa caucuses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The World Health Organization recently said it cancelled six planned missions to northern Gaza because requests for safe passage were rejected. This as hunger and disease grip Gaza on the 100th day of the war. Also, Donald Trump gets a second chance, being allowed to speak in the closing arguments at his civil fraud trial. We examine what he said and why the judge shut it down. Plus, one day after Hunter Biden’s shock appearance on Capitol Hill, he is back home facing federal charges and the First Lady is now weighing in.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis face off in a debate tonight, just five days before the Iowa caucuses. Can either win over the Trump vote or is this a fight for second place? Plus, Hunter Biden shows up unexpectedly on Capitol Hill, crashing a hearing on holding him in contempt of Congress. Also, a judge says not so fast to Donald Trump taking the stand.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump has a day in court and his legal team argues that the former president cannot be prosecuted even if his actions were criminal. Plus, with six days before the crucial contest in Iowa, a new CNN poll from another key early primary state shows a candidate gaining ground on the GOP frontrunner. Also, the defense secretary has been treated for prostate cancer. The Pentagon has been pressed on his hospital status and why the president didn't know one of his top cabinet members was in the hospital and couldn't do his job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A crucial week before the caucuses in Iowa and Trump is not there, instead preparing for court. He is falsely calling the January 6th criminals "hostages." This as Michelle Obama says she is “terrified" about what 2024 election results will bring. Plus, a CNN correspondent is embedded with a group migrants trying to get across the U.S. border from Mexico. Also, a missing door found in an Oregon backyard could be the smoking gun in the investigation as to what went wrong on an Alaska Airlines flight.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US Supreme Court said Friday it will review the Colorado Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision removing former President Donald Trump from that state’s ballot. This as Trump is back in Iowa expected to speak at a live event ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Plus, a new batch of documents related to convicted dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein has just been released. Also, subject of TV dramas for years, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who admits she helped in the plot to kill her abusive mother, is fresh out of prison and talking to CNN.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 17-year-old gunman killed a sixth grade student and wounded five other people Thursday at Perry High School near Des Moines, Iowa, authorities said. The gunman, who died of a self-inflicted wound, was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small caliber handgun. Also, we look at key takeaways from the latest trove of unsealed documents from a lawsuit related to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, ISIS is claiming responsibility for the deadly blast in Iran which killed dozens on Wednesday.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House is lambasting members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet. Specifically, two right-wing extremists whom critics say are calling for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza leaving some in the Biden administration to wonder if Netanyahu will have to choose between Biden and extremists in Netanyahu's government. Plus, in his first CNN interview since becoming House speaker, Mike Johnson joins from the Mexico border to discuss the border crisis.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Claudine Gay is stepping down as the president of Harvard University. Was it the poorly received congressional testimony about antisemitism on campus or the mounting accusations of plagiarism? Plus, a deadly airport runway inferno in Tokyo after two planes collide. Also, a senior leader of Hamas was assassinated in an explosion in Beirut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russia launches its biggest air attack on Ukraine, unleashing unprecedented missiles and drones across the country with schools, factories, warehouses, and hospitals hit in one of the largest air assaults of this war. Plus, President Trump has been removed from the 2024 primary ballot again, this time in Maine. We examine how his rivals are responding. Plus, a rogue wave is causing chaos in California and officials say the threat isn't over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have a brand-new CNN report revealing how Trump operatives flew fake elector ballots to D.C. in a last-ditch effort to overturn the 2020 election. We bring you those details and audiotapes detailing their plot. Also, Nikki Haley is under scrutiny over controversial comments she made on the campaign trail. Plus, the house where four University of Idaho students were murdered was demolished just hours ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senior U.S. officials are urging their Mexican counterparts to do a lot more to drive down the number of border encounters. These meetings come as a record number of migrants is overwhelming both sides of the border. Plus, the latest development in another attempt to keep Trump’s name off a state primary ballot next year. Also, a look at why Americans are spending so confidently and yet don’t believe the economy is doing well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A top Israeli official is meeting with the White House over Israel's war over Hamas as the administration asks Israel to scale back the war strategy. Also, a new caravan of thousands of migrants is headed to the U.S. border from southern Mexico one day before Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Mexico City in an effort to deal with the crisis. Plus, if you're planning to return an unwanted holiday gift, it may cost you. We'll tell you why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court rejected a request by special counsel Jack Smith to fast-track arguments on whether Trump has any immunity from federal prosecution for alleged crimes he committed while in office. The court did not explain its reasoning and there were no noted dissents. Plus, an unprecedented number of immigrants are coming across the border as Biden makes an urgent call to Mexico to help manage the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Terrifying scenes in the Czech Republic after a gunman's deadly rampage, killing his father and then targeting a school. What we are learning at this hour about this rare type of attack for Europe. Plus, all eyes are on the U.S. Supreme Court as special counsel Jack Smith pushes back today against team Trump. Will the justices weigh in on whether or not Trump has immunity before Christmas? First, a new low for Rudy Giuliani as he files for bankruptcy today. His list of people he is trying to skip out on paying includes Hunter Biden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Any moment now we are expecting team Trump to appeal the ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that Trump disqualified himself from the 2024 ballot for engaging in an insurrection. A former U.S. attorney general under Trump is here to discuss. Plus, new signs from both Israel and Hamas that a temporary pause might be on the table. Also, the US has reached an agreement to secure the release of six wrongfully detained Americans and four other Americans held in Venezuela.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democratic Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania joins to discuss border security, his party backing Israel wholeheartedly, and says he's not a Progressive. Also, a volcanic eruption is creating warnings and wonder around the world. Plus, GOP presidential hopefuls blitz Iowa as caucuses near.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House is pushing Israel to adjust its rules of engagement after the IDF accidentally killed three hostages. New gripping accounts emerge from hostages formerly held by Hamas describing their horror while in captivity including dodging airstrikes from Israeli forces. Plus, Jews in America are being targeted again, after more than 200 fake bomb threats and SWAT calls in one week alone. We look at what law enforcement sources are telling CNN about what is being done to track down those responsible.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A jury ordered Rudy Giuliani to pay nearly $150 million to two Georgia election workers for the harm caused by defamatory statements he made about them following the 2020 election. Freeman and Moss were awarded more than $16 million each for defamation, $20 million each for emotional distress and $75 million total in punitive damages, stemming from a series of statements Giuliani and others, including former President Donald Trump, made. Plus, an autopsy now shows that Matthew Perry died of “acute effects of ketamine”.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN’s Clarissa Warn gains access to southern Gaza to report first-hand on the horrifying reality on the ground as Biden has a new message for the government of Israel. Also, an exclusive CNN investigation into the nation’s largest credit union, Navy Federal, reveals an alarming disparity between White and Black applicants. Plus, deliberations are underway in the defamation lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani as several Georgia election workers seek $48 million in damages.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A federal judge has just paused Donald Trump’s 2020 election interference case which could lead to his March 2024 trial being delayed. Plus, the White House is working to square Biden’s “indiscriminate bombing” comment with claim that Israel is trying to limit civilian causalities. This as political appointees and Biden administration staffers are expected to hold a vigil in front of the White House on Wednesday to call on President Joe Biden to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Capitol Hill with lawmakers and at the White House to request aid and make the case that his country is fighting a losing battle with Russia. Plus, Present Biden privately tells supporters that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to change his strategy and his plans for Gaza and that Netanyahu himself needs to change. Will Biden's comments impact the relationship with Israel? The Lead is live from Des Moines, Iowa, ahead of a major event for the 2024 race. CNN moderates a town hall tonight with Governor Ron DeSantis.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the very first time, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide if Donald Trump can be prosecuted for the things he did as president. Plus, as the humanitarian catastrophe worsens, critical aid into Gaza is delayed at one crossing and completely cut off at another. What is being done by President Biden and others to alleviate the suffering? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Essentially trapped in Gaza, what do some Palestinians really think of Hamas and the conflict? Plus, the state of Texas is pushing back on a court order that allowed a woman to terminate a high-risk pregnancy. The case challenges one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation. Also, Hunter Biden speaks out on Republicans who want to tie his legal problems to his father. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liz Cheney joins to talk about Tump, Kevin McCarthy, House Speaker Mike Johnston, and her fears for what the U.S. might look like in 2025. Plus, a look at the threats to public officials, lawmakers, and election workers. Who is making them, why, and what can be done? Also, Trump is in court today as GOP rivals campaign in New Hampshire and Iowa.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three people were killed and one person is in critical condition after a shooting on the UNLV campus, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said Wednesday. The suspect was also killed, police said. Plus, in a vote that is happening now, Senate Republicans are threatening to block funding for Israel and Ukraine. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware joins discuss what’s in the aid package.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New warnings of an apocalyptic situation in Gazza as Israel takes deadly aim at Hamas. Plus, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee Sen. Mark Warner joins to discuss the GOP being willing to block Ukraine and Israel aid if border funding is not included.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is now claiming President Biden, not himself, is a threat to American democracy. This as there is six weeks left until the Iowa caucuses. Plus, Israel is expanding its war, targeting Hamas in all of Gaza, even in the south where Israel first told Palestinians to flee for safety.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices