The US Secretary of Education AI remarks took a surprising turn this week after Linda McMahon, who currently serves as the nation’s education chief, repeatedly referred to artificial intelligence as “A1” — as in the steak sauce — during a panel at the high-profile ASU+GSV Summit.
The event, which gathers top minds in education and technology to explore the future of learning, was expected to spotlight the role of AI in transforming classrooms and shaping the future workforce. Instead, it’s McMahon’s accidental branding of AI that stole the show — and the headlines.
A Slip of the Tongue, or a Larger Concern?
During her session focused on the future of AI in education and the workforce, McMahon started off by correctly referencing “AI,” but soon became inconsistent. As her speech progressed, “AI” gradually morphed into “A1,” a mistake she made multiple times throughout the talk.
“I heard … that there was a school system that’s going to start making sure that first graders, or even pre-Ks, have A1 teaching in every year,” McMahon said enthusiastically. “That’s a wonderful thing!”
To many in the audience, it was a classic slip of the tongue — albeit one with an ironic twist, considering AI (artificial intelligence) is one of the most buzzed-about topics in education today.
Yet critics online were quick to point out the unusual nature of the mistake. As one user on X (formerly Twitter) put it, “Calling AI ‘A1’ is like calling NASA the NBA. Except this time it’s from the Secretary of Education.”
AI vs. A1: Not Just Semantics
While it’s clear that McMahon understands the broader context of AI’s role in education, the repeated misstatement has sparked questions about how deeply federal leadership is engaging with fast-evolving technologies like generative AI, machine learning, and real-time student feedback systems.
“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?” McMahon said earlier in the session, correctly using “AI” before the confusion began.
She continued:
“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.”
For many educators and tech leaders, the flub highlighted a more pressing issue: the need for policymakers to not only support innovation but to be technically fluent in the tools that are reshaping learning environments.
The Role of the US Secretary of Education in the AI Era
The US Secretary of Education AI narrative extends beyond just a humorous misstep. It underscores a critical moment where AI is rapidly infiltrating classrooms, lesson planning, assessments, and even administrative decision-making.
At the ASU+GSV Summit, thought leaders discussed everything from AI tutoring bots and predictive analytics for student outcomes to ethical dilemmas surrounding data privacy. The expectation is that federal leadership will play a guiding role in ensuring safe, equitable, and effective implementation of these technologies.
But when a senior official appears to confuse artificial intelligence with a condiment, it can send mixed messages.
Reactions Pour In
While many online chuckled at the “A1” gaffe, others expressed frustration. “If we want AI to help close the education gap, leaders need to understand the tech — not confuse it with steak sauce,” one educator commented on LinkedIn.
Still, there’s room for grace. Verbal slip-ups happen, especially in high-pressure speaking environments. And despite the mix-up, McMahon’s overall message was one of optimism and support for integrating advanced technologies into schools at all levels.
A1 or AI, The Conversation Must Continue
Although the US Secretary of Education AI confusion sparked online buzz, it inadvertently brought more public attention to the role of artificial intelligence in the future of learning — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Whether she called it “AI” or “A1,” McMahon’s core message stands: the future of education will be deeply intertwined with technology. Hopefully, next time, the messaging will be a little more on point — and a little less saucy.
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