"Experts" have to contend with a history of public deception.

"Experts" told us smoking was safe. "Experts" told us fracking water was safe to drink. "Experts" told us DDT was safe.

The public has a right to be distrustful after a long history of deception. I'm not saying that this is the case, but this is the historical context in which communicators are trying to get their message across.