> Why is the billionaire class so dead-set on tearing down scientific institutions?

Because they are mentally ill. They need more because that's who they are.

And at this point in time, their biggest risk is not being able to get their desired 7% return yoy. They can't get it via innovation because they are not innovative. They can't get it via fed printing money. They can't get it via general investment.

They can get it by exploitation or by robbing/scamming. See Trump coin or buying elections.

And no, they are not interested in making the world a better place. Their sickness wants just more more and more for themselves.