Hacks R us
When someone (probably senior, but they'll find an intern to blame) forgets to renew the contract with a "security consultant", you can expect said consultant to go looking for other customers. "Business is Business".
But I totally agree that it is far more likely the contractors were not merely out for monetary rewards for services rendered.
Electing someone who owes us money: Maybe a few hundred million dollars
Sowing chaos in the 'Free World': Priceless!