backed off. a source tells cnn that white house counsel don mcgann refused that order. it could be a key piece of evidence for special counsel as they try to decide whether or not they're looking at obstruction of justice. >> there is a legal debate how significant this might be to the investigation. but there is no debate that if the story is true, and cnn has confirmed them, the white house and the president lied about whether the president ever considered firing bob mueller. they lied repeatedly. in the midst of all of this, cnn learned the president is growing increasingly frustrated with chief of staff john kelly who did not travel with the president to davos. he's not there. in about an hour, the president will address leaders at the world economic forum. we will bring you that when it happens. jeff he zelly live in davos with breaking news >> reporter: john, good morning. there are new questions about