The Lead with Jake Tapper

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping attended a state dinner, capping off two days of talks where they vowed more collaboration in oil production which gives the Chinese government an opportunity to further prop up Russia’s sanctioned, suffering economy. Plus, Republican officials are rushing to defend Donald Trump as the former president faces a possible indictment. Cons...

Former President Trump claims he is going to be indicted tomorrow in Manhattan in the hush money case involving Stormy Daniels. Plus, Chinese leader Xi Jinping makes his first trip to Moscow since the start of the Ukraine war. Also, a new push that could ban babies from the laps of their parents on planes, forcing parents to buy separate tickets for their infants. To learn more about how CNN prote...

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin today, accusing the Russian president of committing war crimes by deporting Ukrainian children to Russia. Also, a look at the new rules that will force phone companies to crack down on robotexts spamming your phone. Then, red tides and a massive seaweed belt threaten both of Florida’s coasts. To learn more about how CNN p...

Another troubled regional bank is about to get rescued and this time the big banks are stepping in to help. Will it be enough to ease market fears? Plus, the terrifying reality about women’s healthcare in America as the number of expectant moms dying from complications during pregnancy are soaring. Also, what U.S. officials are saying after releasing the stunning video of the moments a Russian fig...

Is the banking industry suffering from a crisis of confidence? Markets around the world tumble as concerns grow over yet another possible bank failure. What might that mean for your money? Then, a Texas judge may overrule a decision made by doctors and scientists 20 years ago. The hearing today could block access to medication abortion. Plus, an unmanned American drone was forced to crash down in...

Multiple investigations are reportedly launched after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank as panicked tweets are partly to blame for bank losing $40 billion in a single day. Vice Chairman of IBM Gary Cohn joins to discuss markets closing higher after days of volatility. Also, Russian fighter jets intercept an unmanned U.S. drone, forcing it down over the Black Sea. How will the U.S. respond? Plus,...

President Biden reassures America’s banking systems remain safe after the biggest U.S. bank failure since 2008. Now, other banks are sounding the alarm as their stocks take a tumble. Plus, extreme weather coast to coast as a major storm bears down on the northeast and even more rain keeps California under water. Also, the Biden administration approves a controversial oil drilling project in Alaska...

A new urgent warning about defective wheels after three Norfolk Southern train wrecks in five weeks. Plus, the alleged affair and hush money scheme that could trigger charges against Donald Trump. Also, a look at the second largest bank failure in U.S. history as Silicon Valley Bank collapses. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad cho...

Ukrainian city after city are bombarded by Russian missiles and drones while the war drags on. Plus, an emotional plea from Iran’s longest held American prisoner. Why he’s taking the risk in talking to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour in an interview behind bars. Also, new details on Senator Mitch McConnell who is being treated for a concussion in a D.C. hospital after a fall. To learn more about how CNN...

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland issues a scathing critique of the Louisville Metro Police Department after the Justice Department’s nearly two-year review of the botched raid where police killed Breonna Taylor in March 2020. The report found Louisville police officers used excessive force against Black people. Plus, tears on the Hill as one Marine recounts the chaos of the Afghanistan withdr...

We have new information about the armed kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico after two were found dead and two survived. We have a live report on how the four friends from South Carolina were apparently mistaken for drug smugglers. Plus, Sen. Dan Sullivan of the Armed Services Committee joins to discuss China’s new foreign minister warning of conflict with the U.S. and defending China's ties to...

The Washington D.C. Council is attempting to withdraw a criminal justice bill which is headed for likely failure in the Senate. D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George joins to discuss the D.C. Home Rule Act and reforming Washington D.C.’s criminal code. Plus, four Americans have been kidnapped in Mexico and now an international rescue effort has been launched to find them.  To learn more about h...

The U.S. deploys another $400 million in military aid to Ukraine ahead of a likely Russian spring offensive. Can President Biden secure even more as Russians encircle the strategic town of Bakhmut? Plus, from prominent attorney to convict, the swift prison sentence for Alex Murdaugh after a jury took only a few hours to find him guilty of killing his wife and son. Also, Tennessee becomes the first...

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer joins to discuss Rupert Murdoch’s admission that Fox News hosts endorsed false stolen election claims. Plus, a plot to kill is foiled in Michigan as authorities arrest a man they say wanted to kill Jewish lawmakers. Also, after six weeks of testimony and more than 70 witnesses, the jury begins deliberation in the double murder trial for Alex Murdaugh. To learn...

Attorney General Merrick Garland was grilled on Capitol Hill today on a range of topics including classified documents, abortion, fentanyl, and rising crime. Also, a private plane came 565 feet from a JetBlue flight loaded with passengers at Boston Logan. Are these frightening encounters happening more often or just being reported more often? Plus, a deadly disease once thought to be eradicated is...

Top Fox executive Rupert Murdoch under oath admitted election lies peddled on his network were simply a business decision saying “it is not red or blue, it is green.” What else did Murdoch admit? Plus, the fate of Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan rests with the Supreme Court. Also, Rep. Mike Gallagher and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi join to discuss decoupling China’s economy with the United Stat...

The U.S. Department of Energy concludes with “low confidence” that the origins of Covid-19 likely leaked from a lab in Wuhan, China. Plus, in East Palestine, Ohio, a new technique to track contaminated water amid growing concern from other cities who are taking in truckloads of contaminated soil. Also, Rupert Murdoch, the chairman of Fox Corporation, acknowledged in a deposition that some Fox News...

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Disgraced former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, who is on trail for the deaths of his wife and son, testified today in his own defense. Plus, the National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report on the train derailment in Ohio which caused toxic chemicals to spill into the area. The report said the event was “100% preventable” leaving questions about what solutions coul...

After a train derailment in Ohio spilled toxic chemicals, railway company Norfolk Southern vows to help but critics note how much the company is giving victims versus company investors for stock buybacks. Also, a coast to coast winter storm is hitting the United States with ice and snow and conditions not seen in spots in 30 years. Plus, one year into the invasion of Ukraine, U.S. officials believ...

President Biden rallies for NATO while Putin blames the West for forcing him to invade Ukraine, vowing to stay the course.  Plus, Rep. Angie Craig joins to discuss getting threatening messages after being attacked in her apartment building. She’s blaming a segment on Fox for the threats which came after the attack. Also, the EPA demands Norfolk Southern clean up its train wreck in Ohio. To learn m...

In a surprise trip to Ukraine, President Biden becomes the first U.S. leader in modern history to visit an active war zone without American troops on the ground. Rep. Mike Quigley of the Ukraine Caucus joins to discuss increasing eagerness for the U.S. to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Plus, how virtual reality is being used to help alleviate a huge shortage in one job field. Also, an arrest h...

The five former Memphis police officers charged with killing Tyre Nichols have been arraigned, all entering pleas of not guilty. Now, the district attorney is reviewing dozens of other cases connected to those officers. Plus, in the middle of the January 6th insurrection, then President Donald Trump did not call the secretary of defense, the attorney general, or the head of Homeland Security. Wait...

The Georgia special grand jury that investigated Donald Trump and his allies' attempts to overturn the 2020 election just released parts of a new report. Plus, a professor describes his encounter with the Michigan State University gunman and the quick thinking that may have saved lives. Also, a major recall at Tesla after a problem with the self-driving feature. Then, Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro joi...

Major questions were raised today about your safety in the air as Senators grill the FAA on why the agency cannot be so sure there will not be more runway near misses and grounded flights. Plus, Nikki Haley officially kicks off her 2024 campaign, presenting a pledge to bring in a new generation of leadership. Also, Gov. Mike DeWine announced the water safe to drink after a toxic train derailment i...