Education Secretary Linda McMahon reportedly caused a stir at the ASU+GSV Summit recently when she repeatedly confused artificial intelligence (AI) with A1, the popular steak sauce, during a panel on educational innovation. As reported by USA Today, McMahon, 76, initially used the term AI correctly, stating, “AI development – how can we educate at the speed of light if we don’t have the best technology around to do that?” However, her remarks soon veered off course. “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 said, prompting chuckles from the audience.
She continued, “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 gaffe didn’t go unnoticed. A.1. Sauce, owned by Kraft Heinz, seized the moment with a cheeky Instagram post featuring a bottle of their product and the caption, “You heard her. Every school should have access to A.1.” The post added, “Agree, best to start them early.” Fans loved the response, with one commenter noting, “I will be buying a bottle or two because of this post.”
Kraft Heinz joins the ‘Saucy fun’
Online, the mix-up became fodder for jokes. One 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? Linda added, ‘The smarter kids can move up to Thousand Island Dressing.’”
The Kraft Heinz-owned brand A.1. Sauce joined the fun. Taking a lighthearted jibe at McMahon’s blunder the brand posted on their Instagram verified account, “You heard her. Every school should have access to A.1.” “Agree, best to start them early,” the picture attached to the post reads.
