A message seeking comment was left at CNN.

The story was posted on the network's website Thursday and was removed, with all links disabled, Friday night. CNN immediately apologized to Anthony Scaramucci, the Mr Trump transition team member who was reported to be involved in the meeting.

The story's author, Thomas Frank, was among those who resigned, according to a network executive who requested anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss personnel issues. Also losing their jobs were Eric Lichtblau, an assistant managing editor in CNN's Washington bureau, and Lex Harris, head of the investigations unit.

CNN, in initially taking down the story, said it didn't meet its editorial standards. The episode is a damaging blow for a network that Mr Trump has frequently derided as "fake news," and for a story that never even made it onto any of CNN's television networks.