It would be easier to "trust the science" for the plebs out there if they felt that institutions valued their needs. Insulin could cost $15 per vial, but they can cost $300. The financial institutions (see 2008 crash) caused no problems for leaders of institutions.
When I hear someone say "trust the science", I hear, "institutions have worked out for me so far". As much as we wish it were based on rational belief, it is almost certainly personal experience.
George Carlin was right: "they" want you to be smart enough to keep the system moving, but too dumb to see how inequitable the system is.
EDIT:
Addressing the "that's just capitalism, not science" point.
You can't really separate the funding from institutions from the products / science. Governments limit the possible research that can be done, media brings in attention and recognition, universities placate their owners (corporate, government, academic, investors). None of the institutions are really motivated by what the base needs or wants apart from avoiding actual anarchy and chaos. It's not a conspiracy. It is power getting more power and power corrupting, quite naturally and with people making rational choices in their own self interest.