Did whitehats know of the impeding Russian collusion narrative exploding in 2016?

Damn right.
We ordered the Code Red.
Planted the seeds of conspiracy.
Set the bait.

These people ate stupid.
We left them no alternative.
They had to take the bait.

Swamp used as pawns
While they focused on Trump.
We attack their most prized assets.
Names and faces you not know.
King, Queen, Rook, Bishop and Knight.

How about a nice game of chess.