Test your knowledge on this week’s events

Editor’s note: The following is the product of Sun staff assisted by the Sun’s AI lab, which includes a variety of tools such as Anthropic’s Claude, Perplexity AI, Google Gemini and ChatGPT.

1. The federal court blocking President Donald Trump’s tariffs cited limitations on executive power. Which constitutional principle was primarily invoked in the ruling?

A) Separation of powers

B) Federalism

C) Due process

D) Equal protection

2. Trump’s tariff plan targeted imports from multiple countries. Which sector was most heavily affected by these tariffs before the court’s injunction?

A) Automotive manufacturing

B) Technology hardware

C) Steel and aluminum

D) Agricultural products

3. Elon Musk’s role in the White House was unique. What was the official designation of his position, and how did that status affect his authority?

A) Cabinet secretary, with full policymaking power

B) Special government employee, with limited tenure and advisory capacity

C) White House chief innovation officer, with executive authority

D) Trade envoy, with negotiation powers

4. Musk’s departure followed controversies over his proposed budget cuts. Which federal program was most affected by his proposed reductions?

A) Social Security

B) Medicare

C) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding

D) Department of Education grants

5. The court’s injunction against the tariffs referenced a prior Supreme Court case limiting executive tariff powers. Which case was cited as precedent?

A) Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952)

B) United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corp. (1936)

C) Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (1984)

D) National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012)

6. Which NHL team advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the third straight season Wednesday?

A) Edmonton Oilers

B) Dallas Stars

C) Florida Panthers

D) Carolina Hurricanes

7. In May 2025, North Korea and Russia announced the construction of their first road link—a bridge over which river?

A) Yalu River

B) Amur River

C) Tumen River

D) Lena River

8. Musk’s criticism of Trump’s tax legislation focused on which specific aspect of the bill?

A) The elimination of corporate tax breaks for renewable energy

B) The increase in capital gains tax rates

C) The expansion of the estate tax exemption

D) The overall increase in the federal deficit due to the bill’s cost

9. The Trump administration’s tariff strategy was partly justified as a response to unfair trade practices. Which country was most frequently cited as engaging in such practices?

A) Canada

B) China

C) Mexico

D) Germany

10. What was the projected economic impact of the tariffs according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) before the court’s ruling?

A) A boost in U.S. GDP by 0.5% over two years

B) A net increase in federal revenue of $50 billion annually

C) A reduction in U.S. exports by $30 billion due to retaliation

D) A decrease in inflation rates due to higher import costs

Answers

1. A — The court emphasized that imposing sweeping tariffs is a legislative power reserved for Congress, reinforcing the separation of powers doctrine that prevents the executive branch from unilaterally enacting broad trade policies.

2. C — The tariffs primarily targeted steel and aluminum imports, aiming to protect domestic producers but raising concerns about retaliation and supply chain disruptions.

3. B — Musk’s appointment as a special government employee meant he was a temporary adviser without formal policymaking authority, limiting his ability to enforce spending cuts.

4. C — Musk advocated for significant cuts to EPA funding, arguing for streamlined operations, which drew criticism from environmental groups and some government officials.

5. A — The Youngstown case, which limited presidential power in domestic affairs without congressional authorization, was cited to argue that Trump exceeded his authority in imposing tariffs.

6. C — The Florida Panthers won their Eastern Conference Final series against the Carolina Hurricanes in five games to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive year.

7. B — North Korea and Russia agreed to build their first road bridge across the Amur River, aiming to enhance trade and travel between the two countries amid shifting geopolitical alliances.

8. D — Musk argued that the tax bill’s high cost would exacerbate the federal deficit, undermining efforts to reduce government spending and debt.

9. B — China was the primary target of Trump’s tariffs, accused of intellectual property theft, currency manipulation and unfair subsidies to domestic industries.

10. C — The CBO projected that retaliatory tariffs from trading partners would reduce U.S. exports by approximately $30 billion, negatively affecting American businesses and workers.