Fake News was a hot issue during the presidential election. As President Donald Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton continued to escalate tension, the threat of fraudulent news sources only worsened the partisan divide. As has been shown time and time again, the fake news threat isn’t in the so-called “alt-right” movement or a product of conservatives.

Fake News is actually on the rise in the mainstream media, the most trusted source of news for many Americans.

The dishonesty among propagandists disguised as journalists is a betrayal of American trust. When people turn on the television or open their web browser, they seek these news sources as a means of becoming informed about current events. Instead of learning about the issues of our day through an objective lens, they’re given biased and misrepresented information that is selectively presented.

It’s disgraceful, but it is the rule instead of the exception.

The Associated Press reported that Republican President Donald Trump had a hostile conversation with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. In the conversation with President Pena Nieto, his American counterpart allegedly noted the “bad hombres” in Mexico and how they need to be dealt with. If the Mexican government failed to address the threat, the United States would reportedly send in the military.

The media report was a cause for alarm. Tensions with Mexico have already grown in the last couple weeks as President Trump has assertively pushed the border issue. Many fear that these aggressive tactics will alienate our allies and isolate the United States from the world.

Would President Trump take us to war by invading Mexico over gang violence and drugs?

The Mexican government actually replied with a statement, which in itself is significant. In the statement, Mexico stated the conversation’s tone was constructive and both leaders agreed to continue working towards common goals. Essentially, Mexico pointed out the Associated Press report was false by contradicting the information regarding the call.

But why would Mexico intervene in the issue at all? President Trump has been arguably hostile towards them and the assertiveness has been at times unwelcome.

The Mexican government likely is aware of the damage a lie will do. Fake News, as Americans pointed out over the last year, can inflict significant damage. While there are obvious disagreements and issues with tone, there is a shared concern about the border violence and mutual interest in resolving the matter.

The United States has not communicated a wish to invade Mexico or otherwise deploy the military, either through suggestion or threat. This is another dangerous fake news story that could escalate already strong tension.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto understands that the two countries should be constructive, even in disagreement. The reckless reporting of the Associated Press could further strain relations between the countries and worsen partisan tensions domestically. Would making the internal and external problems the United States faces worse be worth the headline for the Associated Press? Would the damage be worth the story for the rest of the mainstream media?