The "there was no list" lie is so bad the only thing that makes sense is that it is a malicious compliance backstab.
A fake list that only burned his enemies would have fooled way more people and given him an excuse to lock up opposition.
Discussion
I thought this as well, why not doctor one? Half the people still wouldn’t believe it, but some would be, “I knew it!!”
Saying no list, was literally the worst option.