Smug experts shattered our trust — now ‘charlatans and cranks’ fill the void

New York Post - Apr 17th, 2025
Open on New York Post

The news story discusses the growing distrust in experts and authority figures, particularly fueled by the populist right, following perceived failures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The story highlights how figures like Anthony Fauci have been criticized for their handling of the crisis, which has led to a broader skepticism of expertise. This skepticism has created a vacuum that is being filled by individuals with little to no credible background, offering comfort to those seeking confirmation of their biases rather than a nuanced understanding of complex issues.

The article contextualizes this trend as part of a broader cultural shift towards relativism and contrarianism, where the value of expert knowledge is increasingly undermined by those who prioritize sensationalism and ideological narratives over facts. The story warns against the dangers of dismissing accumulated knowledge and the perils of elevating unqualified voices to positions of influence, arguing for a balanced approach that seeks genuine, clear-headed thinkers rather than promoting contrarian ideas for their own sake.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of the decline in trust towards experts and the rise of populist skepticism, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It effectively engages with important public interest topics and has the potential to influence individual attitudes. However, the article's impact is somewhat limited by a lack of direct evidence and source attribution, which affects its credibility and balance. While it presents a clear and engaging narrative, the absence of diverse perspectives and transparency in its claims could be improved. Overall, the article succeeds in sparking discussion and encouraging critical evaluation of trust in expertise, but it would benefit from more rigorous sourcing and a broader range of viewpoints.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents a mix of factual claims and subjective interpretations. It accurately reflects the general decline in trust towards experts during the COVID-19 pandemic, a phenomenon supported by various studies. The portrayal of Anthony Fauci's role is more contentious; while some of his decisions were debated, the claim of 'aggressive inaccuracy' lacks specific evidence in the text. The comparison of Fauci's actions to a broader abuse of power rather than a failure of expertise is a nuanced point that aligns with the understanding that individual actions do not discredit entire fields. However, the analogy comparing RFK Jr. to Baalism is hyperbolic and not factually grounded. Overall, the article would benefit from more concrete examples and data to support its claims.

6
Balance

The article predominantly reflects a perspective critical of both populist and certain expert narratives. It critiques the populist right for filling the void with 'charlatans' while also acknowledging flaws within the expert community, such as arrogance and failure to adhere to facts. However, it leans towards defending the concept of expertise despite individual failings, which might overshadow valid criticisms of systemic issues within expert circles. The lack of voices from the populist perspective or those who might defend alternative viewpoints indicates a slight imbalance. Including more diverse perspectives could enhance the article's balance.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey its points. It effectively uses analogies and examples to illustrate complex ideas, such as the comparison between rejecting expertise due to individual failings and rejecting moral truths. The tone is assertive and engaging, making the article easy to follow. However, some hyperbolic language, like the reference to Baalism, might detract from the clarity of the argument by introducing unnecessary complexity. Overall, the article maintains a logical flow and presents its ideas coherently.

5
Source quality

The article does not cite specific sources or studies, relying instead on the author's interpretations and general observations. The lack of direct attribution to authoritative sources or empirical data weakens its credibility. References to well-known figures like Anthony Fauci and RFK Jr. are made without quoting their statements or providing context from their work or public statements. This absence of attributed sources limits the ability to verify claims and assess the reliability of the information presented.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its methodology and does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest. The basis for its claims about the decline in trust, the role of experts, and the actions of public figures is not clearly explained or supported by data. The author's perspective is evident, but the article would benefit from a clearer explanation of how conclusions were reached and any biases that might influence the analysis. Greater transparency in the sources of information and the reasoning behind the arguments would enhance credibility.

Sources

  1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10755470221100558
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8242428/
  3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/10755470221100558
  4. https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer/report-covid-flash-poll
  5. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2020/06/richard-edelman-on-trust-during-the-COVID19-pandemic