If they didn't they for sure have promoted it. There's a documentary, I can't recall the name of it where a former FBI guy admits to feeding a UFO enthusiast false leaks for years. The UFO guy eventually ended up in a mental institution. People that don't believe that there are forces in government manipulating the news, social media, and direct individuals really need to open their eyes. Being aware that this stuff happens is key.

In Legacy of Ashes false news reports are documented in South American countries where the CIA wanted to affect elections. False and probably true stories were placed in newspapers to take down leaders in elections. This is why when the Russia gate thing happened I just rolled my eyes about it.

When rumors leak to the press in the US do you think these are all true rumors? Of course not. I would bet the largest source of leaks are the administrations themselves. If you believe what they say on the TV/Social you are a fool in my book. Or you're at least being played like a fool. We are constantly manipulated by many actors. This whole thing about fake news is funny. Its almost like we are supposed to believe this is a new thing. It isn't. Always been the case.