Analyzing Arguments and Counterclaims

Which piece of evidence best supports the argument that Trump’s executive order aims to prevent the TikTok ban from being enforced?

• "TikTok abruptly shut down in the U.S. over the weekend."

• "The executive order instructs the attorney general not to take action to enforce the ban for 75 days."

• "The law authorizes the U.S. attorney general to sue companies to exact the $5,000 fines."

• "Republican Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts appeared to dispute that Trump had the power to halt the law."

What evidence supports the argument that Congress passed the law banning TikTok because of national security concerns?

• "The law requires TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell American TikTok assets by January 19."

• "TikTok hasn't indicated it is moving in that direction."

• "Congress passed it with overwhelming bipartisan support out of concern that TikTok's ownership structure could enable the Chinese government to get Americans' personal information."

• "Trump posted on Truth Social that he would issue the order on his first day as a second-term president."

Which statement best supports the argument that Trump’s executive order might not be legally enforceable?

• "The law does allow a president to extend the deadline for a TikTok sale by 90 days if the president certifies progress."

• "Cotton also posted on X that a company that violates the law to help TikTok run in the U.S. 'could face hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability.'"

• "Service was swiftly restored to the popular short-form video app on Sunday, January 19."

• "Apple and Google haven’t returned it to their app stores for downloading."

What is a counterclaim to the statement that Trump has the power to halt the TikTok ban through an executive order?

• The law was passed by Congress and signed by President Biden, meaning an executive order alone cannot override it.

• The president has full control over all technology-related decisions in the U.S.

• The executive order allows Trump to take complete control of ByteDance.

• The Supreme Court has ruled that executive orders always override congressional laws.

Which counterclaim challenges the claim that ByteDance must sell TikTok’s U.S. assets for the app to continue operating in the country?

• TikTok can continue operating without changes if U.S. users agree to new security settings.

• The law only applies to new users, so current users can continue using TikTok without restrictions.

• Trump’s executive order allows TikTok to operate indefinitely without a sale.

• Trump’s executive order only delays enforcement, but ByteDance still needs to sell TikTok to comply with the law.

What is a counterclaim to the statement that companies supporting TikTok’s continued operation could face significant legal penalties?

• The penalties only apply to new companies, not existing ones like Apple and Google.

• If a company relied on Trump’s executive order, they might argue in court that they shouldn’t be fined.

• Companies that violate the law are only fined $500, making it an insignificant issue.

• Apple and Google have already received exemptions from the law, so they won’t face penalties.

Based on the evidence in the article, how strong is Trump’s legal argument for halting the TikTok ban?

• Very strong—Trump has full authority to override the law, and Congress cannot stop him.

• Somewhat strong—Trump’s order provides temporary relief, but it may not hold up legally.

• Weak—Congress passed the law with bipartisan support, and legal experts question Trump’s authority.

• Unclear—There is no evidence to determine whether Trump’s executive order will be effective.

Which of the following is a reason why Trump’s executive order might not be legally enforceable?

• The executive order was issued without consulting Congress.

• The law allows a president to extend the deadline for a TikTok sale by 90 days if progress is certified.

• The executive order contradicts a Supreme Court ruling.

• The executive order was not signed by the attorney general.

What is a potential consequence for companies that support TikTok’s continued operation despite the ban?

• They could face hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability.

• They will be required to pay a $5,000 fine.

• They will be banned from operating in the U.S. for a year.

• They will be required to sell their U.S. assets.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the enforcement of the TikTok ban?

• The ban is automatically enforced without any legal challenges.

• The executive order permanently prevents the ban from being enforced.

• The executive order delays enforcement, but legal challenges could still arise.

• The ban is only applicable to new users of TikTok.