The war boosted both their careers as Esther was very active internationally through the government and Stephen became an expert on explosives especially the atomic bomb. Both Brunauers had many enemies due to the fact that Esther was an internationalist and Stephen ran into trouble in Hungary. McCarthy would feed on these suspicions and single out the couple as Communist agents. Esther would be questioned numerous times about her involvement in various women's organizations but nothing was ever proven. Stephen on the other hand, was a much easier target and McCarthy's findings on him ended both of their careers in the State Department. It is apparent that McCarthy chose Esther because of her gender and because of her international involvement. Esther's involvement in politics and Stephen's sketchy background made them a very easy and convincing target. It will become a pattern of McCarthy to single out politicians who have a great involvement diplomatically. Because of this, he assumes that any diplomat in a foreign country must passing secrets. It was impossible for him to prove in most cases but hard for the government to disprove. Both the Brunauers lost their job and faded into the background of society.
Another victim of McCarthyism was John Stewart Service, a diplomat to China. Service observed the events that were unfolding in China and advised the government cool their relations with Jiang's Nationalist regime. He was recalled to the United States, went before a grand jury, and was cleared by a loyalty board. Although he was cleared, his days in the department were numbered. This background gave Joe McCarthy the ammunition he needed to attack Service later on. Although Service was under constant inquiry due to his past, his career seemed to be picking up steam once again. He was to be a consul to India until McCarthy's accusations forced him to come home. Service went before the board for the eighth time and this time he was fired by Dean Acheson on the grounds of being a security risk.
