Linda McMahon mixed up AI and A.1. — so of course now the steak sauce is all over it

Try telling that to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. McMahon made a tasty mistake April 8, 2025, when she mixed up AI (artificial intelligence) and A.1. (the steak sauce) while speaking at the ASU+GSV education summit. This particular summit is a big deal in the ed-tech world, an event put on by Silicon Valley investors where educators and innovators gather to discuss the future of learning – including how actual AI might shape classrooms. McMahon was on a panel discussing modern classroom tools when things took a flavorful turn.

McMahon said she'd heard about “a school system that's going to start making sure that first-graders, or even pre-Ks, have A.1. teaching in every year,” calling it a “wonderful thing.”

But the comment wasn't just an isolated slip of the tongue. She elaborated, “Kids are sponges. They just absorb everything. It wasn't all long ago that it was, 'We're going to have internet in our schools!' Now let's see A.1. and how can that be helpful”. Helpful indeed, perhaps for spicing up standardized tests?

Naturally, A.1. Original Sauce, a U.S. subsidiary of Kraft Heinz $KHC (KHC), couldn't resist savoring McMahon's gaffe in particularly saucy posts on social media.

The sauce company jumped onto X $TWTR (formerly Twitter) and Instagram (META), writing, “You heard her. Every school should have access to A.1.,” alongside a picture of a bottle slapped with a label that reads “For education purposes only” and the caption, “Agree. Best to start them early.”

Confusingly, McMahon had correctly referred to artificial intelligence as “AI” earlier in the discussion, before her terminology apparently marinated too long.

Despite the mix-up, the underlying point about integrating actual AI into schools remains significant. Proponents argue these tools can personalize learning, automate tedious tasks for teachers, and offer students real-time feedback.

McMahon, 76, was a controversial pick for the Education Secretary role, given her previous gig as CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a company she co-founded with her now-estranged husband, Vince. Her lack of direct experience in education policy was noted during her confirmation back in early March 2025, following a 51-to-45 vote from the Senate.

Her tenure comes as the administration seeks to reshape the federal role in schooling. Just the previous month, Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, intending to return oversight to the states. “I told Linda, 'I hope you do a great job and put yourself out of a job,'” Trump said. “I want her to put herself out of a job.”

While McMahon's mix-up provided a moment of levity (and maybe some free advertising for Kraft Heinz), it underscores the need for clarity as policymakers navigate the integration of rapidly advancing technologies into education. Events like the ASU+GSV summit are crucial for these conversations – just maybe double-check the acronyms beforehand.