Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment and current Secretary of Education, found herself at the center of an unexpected online roast after a slip of the tongue during a speech at the ASU + GSV Summit in San Diego on April 8, 2025. While discussing the importance of technology in education, McMahon confused the acronym for artificial intelligence (AI) with A.1, a popular steak sauce.
In her speech, McMahon stated, “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!” This mix-up drew laughter and criticism from both attendees and social media users, who quickly seized upon her blunder.
McMahon was not alone in her attendance at the summit, which featured a host of prominent educators and leaders in the field of technology. Other notable figures included Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, both of whom also visited Arizona in April 2025. However, it was McMahon's slip that garnered the most attention, sparking memes and jokes across social media platforms.
The incident highlighted not just a simple error but also the broader context of McMahon's role in the Trump administration. Confirmed as Secretary of Education in March 2025, McMahon's appointment came during a time when President Donald Trump had signed an executive order aiming to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education altogether. Trump has called the department “a big con job,” and has expressed a desire to close it immediately, a move that would require Congressional approval.
McMahon's selection for this position raised eyebrows, particularly considering her past as a business executive rather than an educator. Critics have pointed out that her lack of experience in education makes her an odd fit for the role, especially given Trump’s plans to dismantle the very department she leads. In fact, under her leadership, the Department of Education has already seen a significant reduction in staff, with reports indicating that roughly 50% of its positions have been eliminated, totaling more than 1,300 jobs according to ABC News.
Despite the backlash, McMahon's blunder was not without its silver lining. The A1 Sauce brand took advantage of the moment, using McMahon's comments as a marketing opportunity. They posted on Instagram, “You heard her. Every school should have access to A1,” cleverly turning her gaffe into a promotional campaign.
While McMahon's comments may have been a source of humor, they also underscore a serious issue about the current state of education in America. The focus on technology in classrooms, which McMahon attempted to address, is indeed a critical topic. She 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?” This statement reflects a genuine concern about the need for advanced tools in education, even if her delivery left much to be desired.
Furthermore, McMahon's statement about young children being “sponges” that absorb everything is a sentiment echoed by many educators. However, the implications of her mix-up reveal a disconnect between her understanding of modern educational needs and the reality of her administration’s actions.
As the nation grapples with the future of education, McMahon's slip serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity and expertise in leadership roles. The intersection of technology and education is a complex issue that requires informed discussion and thoughtful policy-making, not just puns and marketing gimmicks.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how McMahon will navigate her role amid the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. With significant challenges ahead, including addressing the needs of students and educators alike, her ability to lead effectively may hinge on her understanding of both the educational landscape and the technology that is increasingly becoming a part of it.
In a world where the lines between technology and education are becoming increasingly blurred, McMahon's remarks serve as a cautionary tale about the need for informed leadership. As students and educators await the outcomes of the Trump administration's policies, one can only hope that future discussions will be more focused and less prone to confusion.
