Flyfish adds:

Hmm while I'm certain that these events may seem this way to you, the
claim that science is hostage to political power has been made many times
in my lifetime

I am talking about the practice of American Presidents with relation to
standing Scientific Advisory committees. It is a relatively recent practice(the
committees), not becoming a key part of governance until the 60's or so. Still,
the principle is basic, gather scientists to debate the scientific merits of
ongoing policies related to their field of expertise. The pols can take or
leave the advice, nothing is or should be binding. Still, the practice of
replacing accredited scientists with businessmen and still more politicians
would seem to defeat the knowledge-gathering aspect of having the committees in
the first place.
Not surprising when the leader of the Free World chooses not to read
newspapers.
Still, alarming and dangerous practice.
Tom