I'm confused that people have at the same time deep suspicion and also unwavering trust of drugs companies, depending on the story.

In most cases people are suspicious of pharma corruption & recklessness. Yet in a few contexts, for example with vaccines and psych meds , any criticism is deeply stigmatized. Critics are even slandered as backwards.

Why the paradox? I think a healthy dose of suspicion all around is warranted given their track record, plummeting healthfulness and the stakes at hand.