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The Communist Control Act of 1954 bans the Communist Party.
The federal law declares the party “an instrumentality of a conspiracy to overthrow” the U.S. government.
It remains part of the U.S. Code.
The law has rarely been enforced, and Congress has repealed most of its provisions.
Conservative Wisconsin radio talk show host Joe Giganti, discussing the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, urged listeners to tell Congress the law is “a tool that needs to be utilized.”
In June, Republicans urged President Donald Trump to use the law to revoke the citizenship of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist.
Harvard law professor Mark Tushnet said the law could be enforced, in theory, against the Communist Party or members of any organization determined by a jury to have engaged in certain actions to overthrow the government.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Is there a US law that bans the Communist Party? is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.
A Wisconsin state senator who came in third in the Democratic primary for governor in 2018 is running again, saying in her campaign launch video that “extremists” like President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are putting the nation’s democracy at risk.
Kelda Roys, an attorney and small business owner who represents the liberal capital city of Madison in the state Senate, launched her campaign on Monday.
“We are in the fight of our lives for our democracy and our kids’ future,” Roys says in her campaign launch video. It shows people protesting along with images of Trump and Musk.
The two other highest-profile announced Democratic candidates are Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Several other Democrats are expected to join the race in coming days.
On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, 43, and suburban Milwaukee business owner Bill Berrien, 56, are the only announced candidates. Other Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and state Senate President Mary Felzkowski, are considering running.
Roys, 46, served in the state Assembly from 2009 until 2013. Roys ran for an open congressional seat in 2012, but was defeated by a fellow state lawmaker, Mark Pocan, by 50 points. She was elected to the state Senate in 2020.
As a lawmaker, Roys has been an outspoken defender of abortion rights and for union rights. In her launch video, Roys highlights her opposition to then-Gov. Scott Walker’s law that effectively ended collective bargaining for public workers in 2011.
“With everything on the line, Wisconsin needs a governor who’s been training for this moment her whole career and knows how to deliver,” she said.
Roys said she would work to improve public schools, make health care more affordable and create quality jobs.
The race to replace Gov. Tony Evers, who is retiring after two terms, is open with no incumbent running for the first time since 2010. Roys lost to Evers in the 2018 gubernatorial primary, coming in third out of eight candidates behind him and Mahlon Mitchell, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit and nonpartisan newsroom. Subscribe to our newsletters to get our investigative stories and Friday news roundup. This story is published in partnership with The Associated Press.
Wisconsin Democrat Kelda Roys launches run for governor is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.
This story was originally published by ProPublica.
The U.S. Department of Education has pulled funding for programs in eight states aimed at supporting students who have both hearing and vision loss, a move that could affect some of the country’s most vulnerable students.
The programs are considered vital in those states but represent only a little over $1 million a year in federal money. Nonetheless, they got caught in the Trump administration’s attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion, with an Education Department spokesperson citing concerns about “divisive concepts” and “fairness” in acknowledging the decision to withhold the funding.
The funding, which was expected to continue through September 2028, will stop at the end of the month, according to letters from the Education Department to local officials that were obtained by ProPublica. The government gave the programs seven days to ask officials to reconsider the decision.
The programs, part of a national network of organizations for every state, provide training and resources to help families and educators support students who are deaf and blind, a condition known as deafblindness that affects the ability to process both auditory and visual information. Those students often have significant communication challenges and need specialized services and schooling. (Education Week first reported that the department had canceled grants related to special education.)
Nationally, there are about 10,000 children and young adults, from infants to 21-year-olds, who are deafblind and more than 1,000 in the eight affected states, according to the National Center on Deafblindness. The programs targeted by the Education Department are in Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington, as well as in New England, which is served by a consortium for Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont.
“How low can you go?” said Maurice Belote, co-chair of the National DeafBlind Coalition, which advocates for legislation that supports deafblind children and young adults. “How can you do this to children?”
In Oregon, the 2023 grant application for the deafblind program there included a statement about its commitment to address “inequities, racism, bias” and the marginalization of disability groups. It also attached the strategic plan for Portland Public Schools, where the Oregon DeafBlind Project is headquartered, that mentioned the establishment of a Center for Black Student Excellence — which is unrelated to the deafblind project. The Education Department’s letter said that those initiatives were “in conflict with agency policy and priorities.”
The director of the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project received a similar letter from the Education Department that said its work was at odds with the federal government’s new focus on “merit.” The letter noted that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, which oversees the project, had a policy of ensuring that women, minorities and disabled veterans would be included in the hiring process.
The Education Department also was concerned about other words in the application, said Adrian Klenz, who works with deafblind adults in the state. He said he has talked with state officials about the discontinuation of the grant.
“I was told that apparently the administration is going through past grants and two words were flagged: One was transition and one was privilege,” Klenz said. “Transition — transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Privilege came up because a parent wrote a glowing review of staff that said what a privilege it was to work with them.” ProPublica obtained a copy of the grant application and confirmed that those words were included.
In a statement, Education Department Press Secretary Savannah Newhouse told ProPublica that the administration “is no longer allowing taxpayer dollars to go out the door on autopilot — we are evaluating every federal grant to ensure they are in line with the Administration’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education.”
Newhouse said the Education Department renewed more than 500 special education grants that fund services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. She said the agency decided not to renew fewer than 35.
“Many of these use overt race preferences or perpetuate divisive concepts and stereotypes, which no student should be exposed to,” she said, adding that the funds will be put toward other programs.
The department started funding state-level programs to help deafblind students more than 40 years ago in response to the rubella epidemic in the late 1960s. While the population is small, it is among the most complex to serve; educators rely on the deafblindness programs for support and training.
Deafblind programs help educators learn the most effective ways to teach reading and connect families with state and local resources. The programs also tally the number of students across the country who are affected by deafblindness.
Disability advocates, who promote inclusion for people in their communities with disabilities, said they are struggling to reconcile how they can now be under attack for language about inclusion.
What’s more, under Joe Biden, who was president when the grant applications were submitted, language about diversity and inclusion efforts was required. The department at the time noted that “deafBlind children have complex needs and are among the most diverse groups of learners served” using federal special-education funds.
“We were required by the Biden administration to write a statement around equity,” said Lisa McConachie, of the Oregon DeafBlind Project, which serves 114 students in the state.
She said the Trump administration’s view of DEI is different from how inclusion is thought of by disability advocates. “Our passion and our mission is around advocacy for inclusion for kids with disabilities,” she said. “Students in special education are often marginalized in their schools. Students in special education are often excluded.”
Lanya Elsa, who lives in Washington and has two sons served by the state’s deafblind program, said the organization has provided strategies for her son’s educators over the years and has helped her connect with other families. She also is the former director of the Idaho program.
Elsa said that while the funding loss may seem small, “those vulnerable students have nothing else. It is devastating.”
The Education Department notified Wisconsin earlier this month that funding for its deafblind program as well as a separate federal grant to recruit special-education teachers was being discontinued. Officials there plan to appeal, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
About 170 deafblind students in Wisconsin are served by that grant, which funds assistive technology tools, coaching, family support and professional training across the state. And the recruitment of special-education teachers was begun to address a severe shortage.
“Make no mistake, losing these funds will directly impact our ability to serve some of our most vulnerable kids,” Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly said in a written statement. “Losing these dollars at this point in the year will be devastating for the kids who need these supports the most.”
In Oregon, the impact will be felt soon. McConachie said about 20 families had signed up for a parent retreat next month to swap medical equipment, share resources and learn about services to help students when they get older.
“Gathering those families together is a lifeline for them,” she said. “These families are vulnerable and so are the kids.”
Without funding, the weekend will now be canceled. “The impact can’t be undone,” she said. “The disruption will be harmful for many years to come.”
ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.
Programs for students with hearing and vision loss harmed by Trump’s anti-diversity push is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.
The developer hopes to begin construction in mid-2027 and complete the project by 2030.
The post Developer proposes 1.2GW natural gas plant in Kenosha County appeared first on WPR.
The F.J. King sank 139 years ago. A group of maritime enthusiasts chartered a boat to try and find its wreckage.
The post Citizen scientists discover wreck of Lake Michigan ‘ghost ship’ appeared first on WPR.
Director Bill Rebane built his filmmaking career in Wisconsin's Northwoods and remains deeply tied to the region. Davies said the new version of this film pays tribute to that connection.
The post Wisconsin filmmaker directs reimagined 50-year-old cult classic film for Halloween release appeared first on WPR.
“I always encourage people to go to these places and see for yourself,” said Chad Lewis of Eau Claire, author of “Supernatural Lake Superior.” “If you put science to use while you’re there, combining it with folklore, you’re going to have a fun road trip.”
The post Wisconsin author dives into the strange and unexplained in ‘Supernatural Lake Superior’ appeared first on WPR.
Lawrence University English professor David McGlynn’s debut novel “Everything We Could Do” draws from his family’s experiences and that of others to capture a snapshot into the life of parents and staffers in a NICU.
The post New novel explores tension, heartbreak in a rural Wisconsin neonatal intensive care unit appeared first on WPR.
Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday requiring insurance companies to continue covering COVID-19 vaccines as changes out of federal health agencies have restricted eligibility for the shots.
The post Gov. Tony Evers signs executive order on vaccine access amid federal uncertainty appeared first on WPR.
Kim Sajet left the Smithsonian after being criticized by President Donald Trump. But Sajet believes art museums can stimulate curiosity, connect communities and help people find meaning.
The post After criticism from Trump, new Milwaukee Art Museum director says art should spark curiosity appeared first on WPR.
On Monday, 86 organizations, including Milwaukee Public Schools, charter and private schools, vowed that within three years, every child would be reading at grade level by the end of third grade.
The post Milwaukee Reading Coalition hopes to get third graders reading at grade level in 3 years appeared first on WPR.
Wisconsin state lawmakers are circulating a proposal to adopt an official definition of antisemitism, which advocates say could be part of fighting a documented increase in antisemitic incidents and attacks in recent years.
The post Wisconsin lawmakers weigh adopting controversial definition of antisemitism appeared first on WPR.
More than 1.8 billion gallons of water has been treated to remove PFAS stemming from a Marinette manufacturer of firefighting foam, but efforts remain ongoing to reduce groundwater contamination amid a partisan standoff in Madison over addressing PFAS.
The post Marinette, Peshtigo residents frustrated with lack of action on PFAS as cleanup progresses appeared first on WPR.
Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday that is aimed at protecting access to vaccines in Wisconsin. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)
Seeking to combat efforts of the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration, Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday that is aimed at protecting access to vaccines in Wisconsin.
“Vaccines save lives, folks. Spreading fear, distrust, and disinformation about safe and effective vaccines isn’t just reckless, it’s dangerous,” Evers said in a statement. “RFK and the Trump administration are inserting partisan politics into healthcare and the science-based decisions of medical professionals and are putting the health and lives of kids, families, and folks across our state at risk in the process.”
Kennedy in his role as the health secretary has taken aim at vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. This week, a CDC committee with new members appointed by Kennedy who are skeptical of vaccines is expected to consider softening or eliminating some recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine and some childhood immunizations.
“Here in Wisconsin, we will continue to follow the science to ensure Wisconsinites have access to the healthcare they need when and where they need it to make their own healthcare decisions that are right for them,” Evers said.
The order directs the state Department of Health Services to take several steps towards protecting access including monitoring and reviewing immunization recommendations, issuing guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine, determining additional measures that may be necessary to provide clarity and guidance on other routine vaccines.
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance is also directed under the order to collaborate with health plans to make sure people have accurate, up-to-date information on access to vaccines and to help limit the costs of vaccines and to direct health insurers within their regulatory authority to provide coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine without cost-sharing.
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President Donald Trump signs a presidential memorandum in the Oval Office on Sept. 15, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Also pictured from left to right are Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump Monday directed Tennessee’s National Guard deployed to the Democratic-led city of Memphis, following similar actions in the District of Columbia that Trump has said were needed to tackle crime.
“We’re going to make Memphis safe again,” Trump said.
It’s the latest test of Trump’s presidential powers in using the U.S. military domestically, despite a law that bars soldiers from partaking in local law enforcement. Trump said his efforts in the district – using the National Guard – would be replicated in cities across the country.
In the Oval Office, flanked by Tennessee’s GOP Gov. Bill Lee and the state’s Republican U.S. senators, Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn, the president signed a presidential memorandum to establish a “Memphis Safe Task Force” to address violent crime using federal law enforcement and agencies.
“We’re sending in the big force,” Trump said.
In addition to the National Guard, the task force will include the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. It’s unclear how many Guard members or members of federal law enforcement will be sent.
“This task force will be a replica of our extraordinarily successful efforts here, and you’ll see it’s a lot of the same thing,” Trump said of using the National Guard in the district.
It’s the first time Trump has sent the National Guard into a red state, after seizing control of the California National Guard from the state’s governor — a Democrat — for deployment in Los Angeles, and then sending Guard members to the district, another Democratic stronghold.
While homicide rates remain high in Memphis compared to the nation, murders overall from 2023 to 2024 have decreased by 14%, according to the most recent data from the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission.
The Memphis mayor’s office could not immediately be reached for comment.
Trump added that St. Louis, Missouri, could also see similar action.
The dispatch of the National Guard to Tennessee comes after Trump has threatened to send troops to other cities including New Orleans; Portland, Oregon; and Chicago. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker pushed back and the president had backed off his threat, though he mentioned the city again on Monday.
Governors have control over their state National Guard except in rare circumstances where the president can seize control. Pritzker has repeatedly rejected the idea of sending the National Guard into Chicago.
“If we don’t have the governor’s help we’re doing it without him,” Trump said of Pritzker.
With Memphis, Lee welcomed the intervention and thanked Trump for directing federal resources to the city.
“We are very hopeful and excited about the prospect of moving that city forward,” Lee said.
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