Probably the conspiracy theory about scientists dying suspiciously, that’s just pure statistical noise

As opposed to the real hit on science by the sleeper cell of idiocy in the White House.

I took it to mean this. Nothing is more discouraging long-term than the prospect of not having any funding in the future.

People are definitely overhyping it, but a missing former Air Force maj. gen is kind of unusual, and "statistical noise" is kind of a funny oxymoron.