Secretary of Education Linda McMahon made headlines this week, but not for the reason you’d hope from the nation’s top education official. While speaking on a panel at the ASU+GSV Summit—an annual global conference focused on the future of education and innovation—McMahon repeatedly confused “AI” (artificial intelligence) with “A1,” the beloved steak sauce.
Yes, really.
During her remarks about how artificial intelligence could shape early childhood learning, McMahon earnestly declared that “first graders, or even pre-Ks, will have A1 teaching every year.” The gaffe didn’t end there. She doubled down, proclaiming, “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.”
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon referred to AI as “A1.”
We’re ruled by the stupidest, most incompetent people in the world. pic.twitter.com/dUDGNMdrep
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) April 11, 2025
The error would’ve been a simple slip-up—if she hadn’t said it multiple times.
McMahon, a former WWE executive and Trump-appointed Education Secretary, is no stranger to the spotlight. But this time, the internet came for her quicker than a steel chair in a wrestling ring. Critics were quick to highlight the irony: the Secretary of Education misidentifying artificial intelligence as a steak condiment.
Naturally, the marketing team at A.1. Sauce couldn’t resist the moment. The brand shared a spoof image on Instagram featuring a bottle labeled “For education purposes only,” with the caption: “You heard her. Every school should have access to A.1.” The cheeky post read, “Agree. Best to start them early.”
View this post on Instagram
The internet, predictably, erupted. X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with memes, GIFs, and roasts. “We’re ruled by the stupidest, most incompetent people in the world,” one user posted, while another joked, “A1 for education, and the smart kids graduate to Thousand Island Dressing.”
One particularly savage post read: “Linda McMahon thinking A.I. stands for steak sauce is the most American thing I’ve heard all week.”
While public officials are human and verbal slip-ups happen, the gaffe reignited ongoing concerns about digital literacy in government—particularly at a time when AI is reshaping the global workforce, educational standards, and how young people learn.
Still, if nothing else, the moment gave everyone a much-needed laugh—and gave A.1. a PR win no marketing budget could’ve bought.
As for the future of AI in education? Hopefully, it comes with fewer condiments and more clarity.
Linda McMahon’s brain during this speech: https://t.co/ceogbOYJlD pic.twitter.com/SDol6dL0Wp
— JC (@JohnnyCJordan) April 11, 2025
Ooops 👀
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon referred to AI as “A1” during discussions on AI in the workforce. pic.twitter.com/pTroJgT1lS— Master AI (@MasterAI_Today) April 11, 2025
