As I mentioned in my post, this is hard for individuals to believe, which is understandable in today's climate. But, to try to convince you, there are two things to think about.
1) I am directly involved in scientific research. I can honestly, and with a clear conscience, say that never in my 20+ years of education and work in the field, have I ever seen any decision made that could even slightly be interpreted as being motivated by political agendas. This may be different in social science fields (I don't know as I'm not involved in them), but within engineering? Never once.
2) Ok, you don't know me, and maybe don't trust me. Fine. Let's look at the motivations. As a scientist/researcher, you are entirely judged and evaluated on the science that you perform, and are held to a very high standard on the ethical nature of your work. To be compromised by any political agenda would immediately discredit you and your work, and make you an instant pariah in the field. I don't know anyone that would find that an acceptable risk.
This is actually one of the discussions in the scientific community that has revolved around Fauci and his involvement with the white house. Namely, have his efforts to walk a narrow line where he focuses on the science, but has to do so without angering the white house, compromised his ethics and his credibility?
Every researcher continually evaluates and asks themselves if they have compromised their ethics to safeguard against any improprieties from undue influence.
