This article illuminates specific instances where NSA mislead the public. The comments here saying stuff like "I don't believe anything any nefarious organization says"--your point is taken, but it's still important to analyze and respond to NSA continually.
I've always assumed that any pronouncement from a government or corporate entity should be interpreted with the narrowest possible reading. Every phrase like 'we do not intend to' or 'we presently have no plans to' or 'our current policy' is there for a reason.
Or put another way: when they open their mouth just assume they are lying or at best stretching the truth for their special definition of the word.
.... its an intelligence agency. Nothing they say should be taken at face value.