Linda McMahon, former WWE CEO, was appointed U.S. Secretary of Education but faced ridicule for confusing artificial intelligence (AI) with A1 steak sauce during a speech at the ASU+GSV Summit. Initially referencing AI correctly, she later mistakenly emphasized “A1 teaching” for early education, prompting laughs and memes online. The error caught the attention of A1 Sauce, which humorously seized the moment with a social media post supporting early access to their product in schools. McMahon, confirmed by the Senate following Trump’s nomination, now handles challenges in an education department facing potential cuts and layoffs.
Last month, the US Senate confirmed Linda McMahon, the former WWE CEO, as the new Secretary of Education.
Education secretary confuses AI with A1 in viral speech blunder
During a recent speech, Education Secretary Linda McMahon sparked laughter by confusing artificial intelligence (AI) with A1, the well-known steak sauce brand.
unbranded – Newsworthy
During a panel discussion earlier this week, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon mistakenly referred to artificial intelligence (AI) as A1, likely thinking of the popular sauce brand.
On April 8, McMahon, 76, made this gaffe while speaking at the ASU+GSV Summit – an event centered around innovations in education. Initially, she correctly mentioned AI, stating, “You know, AI development – I mean, how can we educate at the speed of light if we don’t have the best technology around to do that?”
However, as her speech progressed, things turned humorous: “A school system that’s going to start making sure that first graders, or even pre-Ks, have A1 teaching in every year. That’s a wonderful thing!”
“Kids are sponges. They just absorb everything,” she said. “It wasn’t all that long ago that it was, ‘We’re going to have internet in our schools!’ Now let’s see A1 and how can that be beneficial.”
‘Every school should have access to A.1.’
A.1. Sauce took advantage of McMahon’s slip by sharing an Instagram post on their verified account that read, “You heard her. Every school should have access to A.1.”
“Agree, best to start them early,” captioned the accompanying image.
Many Instagram users appreciated the response from the Kraft Heinz-owned brand. One user commented, “I will be buying a bottle or two because of this post.”
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Many online users chimed in to humorously remark on McMahon’s faux pas, with one user on X stating, “Education Secretary Linda McMahon continues to mix up AI with A1 while discussing how it will aid ‘students at all levels.’ But how do we get those kids to swallow it? Linda added, ‘The smarter kids can move up to Thousand Island Dressing.'”
USA TODAY reached out to Kraft Heinz and the U.S. Department of Education on Saturday but has yet to receive a reply.
Senate confirmed McMahon after Trump’s nomination
Last month, the U.S. Senate confirmed McMahon as the next Secretary of Education after being nominated by President Donald Trump.
In her new position, the former wrestling executive is tasked with overseeing a department Trump has expressed a desire to “close immediately.” Education Department employees are already experiencing significant disruptions and job reductions, with more expected on the horizon.
In February, the president told reporters in the Oval Office that he expects McMahon to “put herself out of a job.” The White House has been contemplating strategies in recent weeks to dismantle the Education Department, though only Congress possesses the authority to officially eliminate a federal agency.
“Just because they want to do it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can accomplish it,” remarked Jon Fansmith, the assistant vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education, during a meeting with college officials in February.
Contributing: Zachary Schermele/ USA TODAY