Jacob Paul Tapper, known professionally as Jake Tapper, is an American journalist, author, and television anchor for CNN. Born on March 12, 1969, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he initially aspired to become a cartoonist or filmmaker before transitioning into journalism. Tapper began his career in public relations and as a press secretary, then started full-time reporting in 1998 as a senior writer for the Washington City Paper. He later worked as a freelance writer for publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine before joining ABC News in 2003 as a correspondent, covering major events including the Iraq War and presidential campaigns. In 2013, he moved to CNN as Chief Washington Correspondent, where he serves as anchor and chief Washington correspondent, hosting 'The Lead with Jake Tapper' on weekdays and co-hosting 'State of the Union' on Sundays. Tapper has authored several books, including 'The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor' (2012), which was adapted into a film, and political novels like 'The Hellfire Club' (2018). He has made entertainment appearances on shows like 'Late Night' and voiced characters in animated series. Married to Jennifer Marie Brown since 2006, Tapper maintains a low-profile personal life while being recognized for his advocacy of journalistic integrity, known for tough interviews, fact-checking, and establishing himself as a prominent figure in political journalism.