Because it would undermine the desired narrative. Something of a modified limited hangout. As the story fades we will probably get to see the pictures.

It’s just another US government information operation against the American people.

BREAKING: CBS News has learned that U.S. intelligence watched the Chinese spy balloon as it lifted off near China’s south coast, meaning the U.S. military had been tracking it for nearly a week before it entered U.S. airspace.

https://mobile.twitter.com/omriceren/status/1625852475143245828?cxt=HHwWiMDS4ciNmJAtAAAA

Ceren:

Team Biden spent the last few months ignoring and downplaying Chinese malign behavior, even more than usual. They were too invested in the Blinken visit set for Feb 5, which would then set up reengaging China in 2023, especially on climate. We’re just starting to see the results.

How much do you want to spend? How much does the alternative cost? Pie in the sky isn’t paid for with Unicorn skittles.

I will add here that there may well be a de facto “open skies” policy between the US, China, and even Russia with respect to spy balloons, and it is only the recent accidental discovery by a citizen of one of these balloons that necessitated shooting a bunch down for public consumption!

Ps. I believe as part of current arms control agreements there are perfectly legal “open skies” aircraft flights conducted by the U.S. and Russia over each other’s territory. Whether China is included, or whether the recent Russian saber rattling has terminated all of the agreements, I do not know.

The notion that the US / Canada is unaware that something is flying or hovering at all times over N.America is total BS.
Whether or not it is decided to shoot down what is over N. American airspace is another matter.
Frankly, I do not understand why these balloons are not shot down as soon as they spot them.
As usual, the US Govt, a govt. of , by, and for the US govt. agencies that run / control , and rule over the citizens of the USA have decided to keep the citizenry in the dark.