Layers of editors and fact-checkers at AP

AP fell for GE Press Release Hoax in which GE promised to return its $3.2 billion tax refund to the US Treasury.  (AP's correction is currently here.)

GE earned it tax refund fair and square: it spent a great deal of money donating to/lobbying politiicans, mostly left-wing ones, to get those deals.  Expecting GE to give the money back now makes no sense.