I think that United, American, Delta et al are in survival mode. They're just trying to keep the lights on. If someone was offering free money (i.e. no strings attached) they'd be foolish not to at least consider it.
To what "propaganda" do you refer? Is it not true that Big Media is constantly beating the "case count" drumbeat? Is it not true that certain politicians continue to keep their states locked down? Is it not true that certain political candidates have promised to tighten restrictions even more if elected?