A slightly less cynical view: They were in the dark about who else was involved and didn't fancy picking a fight with USG alone (and with an unknown amount of p

A slightly less cynical view: They were in the dark about who else was involved and didn't fancy picking a fight with USG alone (and with an unknown amount of public support). Now that things became public and they know who else is involved, they can at least co-ordinate, knowing that at least one segment of the public cares.