Boom. there are steps. It's a process. That's why the narrative always shifts on any given "controversial" issue.

For example: There is no inflation

Okay, there is inflation but it's minimal

Okay, the inflation isn't minimal but it's temporary (the word they used was transitory)

Okay, the inflation isn't temporary but inflation is actually a good thing

And finally....

Okay, inflation isnt a good thing, but it's actually Trump's fault.

They don't jump straight to blaming Trump because no one would believe it (yet). They need to be slowly led to that conclusion via a series of lies and gaslighting. So they start with a small lie and gradually grow it.