the final logical step here is understanding that mainstream scientists will willingly rubber-stamp government tyranny. scientists who disagree will keep their head low and cower in fear. very few will speak out.

in other words, "a few scientists" is actually "most scientists" and the government here is not misrepresenting the scientists, the scientists simply adapt to whatever the regime says is the truth. and as seen in 2020, this adaptation can happen remarkably fast.