Education Secretary Confuses AI With A1 Sauce in Hilarious Slip-Up

DETROIT — Education Secretary Linda McMahon created a stir at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit on April 8 when she mistakenly referred to artificial intelligence, or AI, as A1, the popular sauce brand. In a panel discussion centered on educational innovation, McMahon initially presented a clear statement about the importance of technology in education.

McMahon, 76, opened her remarks by asserting, “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, her focus shifted during subsequent comments as she inadvertently interchanged AI with A1 multiple times.

“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!” she stated, remarking on the adaptability of children. “Kids are sponges. They just absorb everything,” she added. Her comments prompted laughter among attendees.

In response to the blunder, A1 Sauce took to Instagram, humorously capitalizing on the mix-up. A post on their verified account read, “You heard her. Every school should have access to A.1. Agree, best to start them early,” accompanied by an image of the product. This post resonated with users, with many expressing their support and amusement. One follower commented, “I will be buying a bottle or two because of this post.”

Online, others joined in the fun, poking fun at McMahon’s comments. A Twitter user quipped, “Education Secretary Linda McMahon keeps referring to AI as A1 and talking about how it will help ‘students at all levels.’ But how can we get those kids to drink it?” Another user jokingly 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 for comment on the incident but has yet to receive a response.

McMahon was confirmed as Secretary of Education by the U.S. Senate last month, following former President Donald Trump‘s nomination. She faces substantial challenges in her new role, as the Biden administration has signaled intentions to restructure the Department of Education, amidst calls to return more authority to state and local governments.

“Just because they want to do it doesn’t necessarily mean that they could do it,” Jon Fansmith, assistant vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education, said in a February meeting with educational officials regarding potential departmental changes.

In her remarks at the ASU+GSV Summit, McMahon explained her decision to accept the position, stating, “When President Trump asked me about this job, I told him, I don’t come from the world of education. And he said, I’m looking for an executive. I’m looking for someone who has leadership and management skills because of what we need to do with education in our country.”

As discussions about the future of the Education Department unfold, McMahon’s humorous slip reminds the public of the complexities and challenges at the intersection of politics, education, and technology.