But a statement by the CIA is hardly worthy of an admonition to "Get your story straight". Maybe CNN is full of it. Maybe the CIA is telling the truth. Or the CNN story could be true, in spite of a CIA denial.

But seriously, why would anyone take a public statement by the CIA at face value? They are literally in the disinformation business. Additionally, the CIA would have good reason to defend the guy that has power over their jobs.

As for CNN, I suppose many would say they are in the disinformation business too. The water is definitely muddy.