South Dakota's Karl Mundt: 'Foremost opponent of communism'

By Lori Walsh,

Ari Jungemann, Ellen Koester

Published June 27, 2025 at 11:08 AM CDT

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On today's show...

"In the Moment" heads to Mitchell to the office of Sean Flynn, Ph.D. He is an author and a history professor at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Flynn has an upcoming book on U.S. Sen. Karl Mundt. Mundt represented South Dakota in the House and then the Senate for more than three decades.

He served on the House Un-American Activities Committee and was the "foremost opponent of communism."

Flynn unpacks Mundt's political career and legacy, including identifying and removing a spy in the White House and his professional relationships with Rep. Ben Reifel, Sen. Joseph McCarthy, and Presidents Truman and Nixon.

The upcoming South Dakota Historical Society Press's book on Karl Mundt is tentatively scheduled for 2026.

In the Moment

Lori Walsh

Lori Walsh is a special correspondent with SDPB and host of the "In the Moment" podcast.

See stories by Lori Walsh

Ari Jungemann

Ari Jungemann served as a producer of In the Moment, SDPB's daily news and culture broadcast.

See stories by Ari Jungemann

Ellen Koester

Ellen Koester served as a producer of "In the Moment," SDPB's daily news and culture broadcast.

See stories by Ellen Koester

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South Dakota's Karl Mundt: 'Foremost opponent of communism'

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