Quite simple.
It’s just like the Clinton crew spouting verbal contortions to avoid saying “genocide” during the Rwanda massacres in the mid 90s - to have said that or to say Frankfurt was terrorism would demand a firm response; action not words.
You’re closer to right on this, I believe. Spot on. Still, in addition to your excellent point, we’ve all noticed that this administration bends over backward to avoid any and all language that they perceive as “offensive” to Muslims in any way possible.
You know......the ol’ saw that one man’s terrorist is another man’s patriot, yada yada, ad nauseum.