Who was in charge of investigating claims of communist activity in the government, armed forces, universities, and other areas of American life during the Second Red Scare in the late 1940s and early 1950s?

Who was in charge of investigating claims of communist activity in the government, armed forces, universities, and other areas of American life during the Second Red Scare in the late 1940s and early 1950s?

During the Second Red Scare in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the person in charge of investigating claims of communist activity in the government, armed forces, universities, and other areas of American life was Senator Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy, a Republican from Wisconsin, played a prominent role in fueling anti-communist sentiments and conducting investigations into alleged communist infiltration. He used these investigations and hearings to accuse individuals of being communists or sympathizers without substantial evidence, which contributed to a climate of fear and suspicion known as McCarthyism. The term "McCarthyism" is now used more broadly to describe the practice of making accusations without proper evidence and engaging in political witch hunts.