I don't think he meant that the ETs as gods per se, rather as emissaries or the off-world minions of god or the gods. I suspect that some world political and religious leaders know that. They just play the game knowing that they are on the " winning " side, successful in controlling the masses and establishing dominance over the planet. Harvesting the resources and enjoying all the material wealth and physical comfort. They are promised that they would be taken care of in the after life if they do as they are told. The overwhelming display of far out technology, healing/cloning/life-extension chambers, etc must have wowed them.