Our lexicon definitely needs a term for this. If there isn’t a concise term for the concept I fear people will struggle to convey the meaning behind what they’re noticing.

It feels deceptive and underhanded. I can give all sorts of synonyms but without a term for it, I fear labeling it, and therefore trying to counter it, won’t be effective.

I’m seeing these kinds of rationalizations all the time these days. Especially in the news.