Education Secretary Confuses AI with A1 Sauce at Summit

DETROIT, Mich. — Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sparked a humorous social media moment this week when she mistakenly referred to artificial intelligence (AI) as A1, the popular steak sauce, during a panel discussion. The mix-up occurred on April 8 at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit, a prominent event centering on educational innovation.

Initially addressing the importance of educational technology, McMahon said, “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 she continued speaking, her references to AI shifted to A1. “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.

McMahon, 76, expressed her belief in the rapid absorption of knowledge by young learners, adding, “Kids are sponges. They just absorb everything. 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 helpful?”

The inadvertent blunder drew the attention of A1 Sauce, owned by Kraft Heinz, which took to Instagram to capitalize on the situation. The brand humorously reposted a clip from McMahon’s speech with the caption, “You heard her. Every school should have access to A.1.” followed by a lighthearted image asserting, “Agree, best to start them early.”

Online reactions to McMahon’s gaffe were swift and playful, with users joking about the education secretary’s remarks. One commenter 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?”

In an official statement, Holland Robinson, brand manager for A.1., remarked, “While ‘A.1.’ becoming the unexpected star of a panel on the future of education certainly wasn’t on our 2025 bingo card, when the moment was served up like a juicy steak, how could we not bite on it?” Robinson added that the positive reception to the brand’s response reflected their agility and collaboration with partners.

Prior to her appointment as Secretary of Education last month, McMahon was reviewed by the U.S. Senate. Her nomination followed President Donald Trump‘s earlier remarks suggesting he wished to see a breaking down of the Education Department’s current structure. In light of ongoing discussions regarding the potential dismantling of the agency, McMahon is confronted with monumental challenges as she attempts to lead the department effectively.

Jon Fansmith, assistant vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education, commented on McMahon’s situation during a gathering of college officials in February, stating, “Just because they want to do it doesn’t necessarily mean that they could do it.”

This story was reported from Detroit and has been updated with new information.