Did CNN break down and finally admit the entire Russian collusion theory was a hoax? No, that's not true: CNN reported that an FBI agent is "under investigation" for altering a document "related to 2016 surveillance of a Trump campaign adviser." But it was not an admission that the "entire Russian collusion theory was a hoax." CNN also noted that the Washington Post reported that the Justice Department inspector general concluded the alteration did not change the validity of the surveillance application.
The story originated from an article published by TheLast-News.com on November 22, 2019, titled "CNN Breaks Down, Finally Admits Entire Russian Collusion Theory Was A Hoax" (archived here) which opened:
It must have been very painful for the folks at CNN to write the report below, but it sure looks like the entire Russian collusion thing was a hoax perpetrated by rogue elements of the FBI, as CNN reports:
"A former FBI lawyer is under criminal investigation after allegedly altering a document related to 2016 surveillance of a Trump campaign adviser, several people briefed on the matter told CNN.
The possibility of a substantive change to an investigative document is likely to fuel accusations from President Donald Trump and his allies that the FBI committed wrongdoing in its investigation of connections between Russian election meddling and the Trump campaign.
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CNN Breaks Down, Finally Admits Entire Russian Collusion Theory Was A Hoax - Last Minute News
This is what CNN reported on November 22, 2019, in a story titled "Exclusive: Former FBI lawyer under investigation after allegedly altering document in 2016 Russia probe":
A former FBI lawyer is under criminal investigation after allegedly altering a document related to 2016 surveillance of a Trump campaign adviser, several people briefed on the matter told CNN.
The possibility of a substantive change to an investigative document is likely to fuel accusations from President Donald Trump and his allies that the FBI committed wrongdoing in its investigation of connections between Russian election meddling and the Trump campaign. After CNN first reported on the investigation, the Washington Post reported that the inspector general concluded the alteration did not change the validity of the surveillance application.
While much of what this article by TheLast-News.com was accurate, the headline was false, apparently intended as bait designed to lure clicks.
