tariffs, China United States, USA, Trump,manufacturers

by Mitti Hicks

April 14, 2025

Chess, Not Checkers! Chinese Manufacturers Exposing Brands As ‘Not Made in America’ Amid Trade War

The gloves have come off ever since President Donald Trump threatened to impose up to 125% tariffs on all Chinese imports. Now, manufacturers in China are exposing American brands for what they are calling “hypocrisy” amid the trade war.

Calling what’s happening online a “firestorm” doesn’t even begin to explain what’s happening amid a trade war between the United States and China. The gloves have come off ever since President Donald Trump threatened to impose up to 125% tariffs on all Chinese imports. Now, manufacturers in China are exposing American brands for what they are calling “hypocrisy” amid the trade war.

In exposing American brands, some of the biggest manufacturers in China say that while American companies claim to be “Made in the USA,” they are quietly mass-producing goods in Chinese factories. According to videos posted on TikTok, some of these alleged big names include Michael Kors, Coach purses, Levi’s Jeans, and Lululemon.

According to one content creator, brands get away with marking things as “Made in America” or “Made in Italy. ” For example, the majority of the bag is made in China before it gets shipped to the designer or brand. The designer will add some finishing touches or a logo, allowing brands to characterize items as “Made In” said country.

“I’m surprised more people don’t know that. The quality for China products are just as good,” a TikTok creator said. “We’ve always had this assumption that China goods are not good, but it’s all propaganda.”

In another video, posted by China Yiwu Factor, he says Birkenstocks are only $10 to make and asks people to contact him if they want to work with him directly.

@china.yiwu.factor
I am a Birkenstocks factory from Yiwu. Customization is supported. No minimum order quantity.#factory #wholesale #birkenstocks
♬ 时尚动感放克律动 Funk Caravan Main – MangoAudio

Consumers Responding To Chinese Manufacturers Exposing American Brands

One person posted on China Yiwu Factor, “Chinese manufacturers outing luxury brands is my new favorite TikTok.”

Other people are praising Chinese manufacturers for “playing Chess” while Trump is “playing GO Fish,” and encourages these manufacturers to directly sell to consumers.

The escalating trade war between the United States and China comes after Trump said there is a trade imbalance between the two nations. He said America has purchased a lot from China over the years, but it hasn’t been reciprocated, The New York Times reported. Trump said American companies go above and beyond to comply with Communist Party rules, but Chinese companies don’t face the same barriers.

His second argument concerns national security. America relies on China for electronic chips, pharmaceutical ingredients, and rare earth metals. However, China recently suspended critical rare earth exports, and U.S. companies do not have an alternative supplier.

The tariffs are an effort to make China negotiate friendlier trade rules with the United States. If that doesn’t work, then the Trump administration hopes it forces companies to find other places, mainly in the United States, to source and make their products.

While China is a major exporter to the U.S., it is no longer number one. The United States sent a record $199 billion in exports to China in 2024. China, on the other hand, exported $463 billion in goods and services to the United States, third behind Mexico and Canada, the Associated Press reported.

The top U.S. exports to China in 2024 included soybeans, aircraft, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. Last year, major exports from China included mobile phones, computers, toys, and clothing.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2025

NYPD Looking For Suspect Who Allegedly Sexually Abused Corpse On New York City Subway

Police are also looking for a woman who “removed unknown property” from the victim

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is looking for an individual who has been accused of sexually abusing the corpse of a man on a subway train in Manhattan.

According to The Gothamist, NYPD is looking for two individuals in relation to an incident with a corpse being discovered at the Whitehall Street subway station. The two people are wanted after one is wanted for “sexual misconduct” and the other suspect is wanted for “grand larceny.” The victim, believed to have died of natural causes, was on a southbound R train April 9. As he lay dead on the train, one of the suspects, a woman, rifled through his pockets and stole property from the corpse. Meanwhile, the second suspect sexually assaulted the man’s body at a different time.

The first suspect allegedly committed her crime around 10:48 p.m. that evening. Police officials say that she approached the unresponsive man and “removed unknown property” from him before fleeing the scene. She was caught on surveillance footage, and photographs of her were released to the public. She was seen wearing a yellow hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and a black baseball cap, which was pulled down over her eyes.

The male suspect, who was also seen going through the victim’s pockets, was also seen on surveillance video. After checking the man’s pockets, he allegedly sexaully asaulted him by penetrating his mouth and anus before leaving. The suspect was seen wearing a blue baseball cap, black hooded jacket, yellow hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and red-and-white sneakers. He also had on a black backpack, according to authorities.

NYPD Crime Stoppers posted a photo and video of the man leaving the corpse on the subway car.

People reported that a press release from the NYPD said, “The unidentified individual had sexual contact with an unconscious and unresponsive adult male” and then fled on foot.

The New York Post reported that police had identified the suspect as a heroin addict. The media outlet was able to track down the suspect’s brother, who lives in the Bronx. He did tell the media outlet that his brother was recently released from prison a few months ago after being locked up for a while. However, he stated he hadn’t seen him for a “few days.”

“I haven’t seen him in a few days. He started staying out late. He has never done anything like this in his life — not what they said he did. I don’t think that he did that. He’s not that type of person,” he said.

Police are also looking to speak with a woman who reportedly gave the deceased victim a cigarette of some kind before he died.

Queen Latifah, Megan Thee Stallion, Coachella

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2025

Megan Thee Stallion Brings ‘U-N-I-T-Y’ To Coachella With Special Guests Ciara, Victoria Monet And Queen Latifah

The "Savage" rapper brought out Ciara, Victoria Monét, and Queen Latifah to join her on stage.

Megan Thee Stallion brought the U-N-I-T-Y to Coachella with some very special guests during her set on April 13.

The Grammy winner took the stage to perform on the last night of the festival’s first weekend. Alongside some of her hits, such as “Savage” and “Body,” Megan shared the spotlight with some Black women artists across generations. The Neighborhood Talk shared clips of the star-studded performance.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

First, Megan brought out an OG “femcee,” with Queen Latifah joining her onstage. While performing her hit “Plan B,” Megan let the Queen spit her verse from her hit song “U.N.I.T.Y.”

Then, Victoria Monét made her surprise appearance to perform her and Megan’s duet “Spin.” Monét then glided to her hit track “On My Mama.”

However, the last special guest was an R&B songstress who returned to perform her timeless hit. As Megan began to perform “Roc Steady,” a track that samples Ciara’s “Goodies,” Mrs. Wilson popped out to sing the classic.

Megan included some heavy hitters in the music scene during her featured set. Keeping true to her roots, the “Bigger In Texas” rapper also appeared in some country chic with bouncy red curls underneath a cowboy hat to begin the show.

The “Hot Girl” herself even teased the memorable performance on her Instagram days before. Calling it the “Return Of Thee Stallion,” the 30-year-old promised a show that would delight fans.

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A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)

Coachella has become a global stage for artists to show off their greatest hits and tricks. Missy Elliot performed on Saturday and captivated fans with her transformational entrance. The rapper appeared on stage as a car before referencing “Transformers” and revealing herself as the vehicle.

Fans continued to praise the Black excellence given by Coachella’s diverse roster of performers throughout the weekend. Megan, Missy, and others will return on weekend two to raise the stakes for the musical festival.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2025

Jamaicans Warned Not To Consume Chicken Found Washed Ashore In Hellshire, They Did Not Care

The Ministry of Agriculture advises people to get rid of the found chicken to avoid potential health risks

The Ministry of Agriculture has warned Jamaicans that a shipping container containing raw chicken from a Brazilian company that washed ashore along the Hellshire coastline in St. Catherine has not passed proper inspection for human consumption.

According to The Jamaica Observer, the frozen chicken, which was shipped under the Perdix brand, was not supposed to go to Jamaica but was intended to go to the Cayman Islands. The Ministry of Agriculture stated the chickens were never approved to be accepted into Jamaica. The product did not meet the food safety standards for any poultry that enters the Jamaican market, as stipulated in The Animal (Diseases and Importation) Act.

It was also reported that the Veterinary Services Division said that the shipment did not have the necessary import permits and veterinary inspections, potentially posing significant health risks to anyone who consumes the chickens.

The shipment was discovered on April 3.

Although the warning was issued, residents who were able to retrieve the chicken have stated that it was the best they’ve tasted.

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A post shared by Television Jamaica/Radio Jamaica News Centre (@tvjnews)

Officials tried to encourage people not to eat the chicken and to contact them to give them an effective way to get rid of the potentially contaminated chicken. Even if the chickens were frozen, they may be unsafe to consume because they did not pass the necessary protocols. Officials say several factors may contribute to the chicken’s safety issues.

Since the container was separated from the vessel it was being carried on, the meat may not have been kept at the correct temperature, causing the possibility of the chicken not being kept at a safe setting. There was a possibility of the chicken being contaminated by seawater and environmental hazards. When meat starts to thaw, the risk of bacterial proliferation increases, leading to officials warning people to avoid the chicken. With these factors, along with others, the advice was for the benefit of anyone who may have come in contact with the chicken.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 14, 2025

Do These 2 things To Develop An Exquisite Personal Brand

Curating an exquisite personal brand is not about you.

Written By L. Michelle Smith, MS, ACC, CPEC

After wrapping up up my session at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada, in March, I shared a little something with the hundreds of women who attended the Branding Boot Camp. This reinforced my hourlong talk about the mechanics and strategies behind creating a memorable experience for the people they want to impact.

Some people call that intentional experience personal branding, but there is far more to it than that for leaders who want to establish trust, loyalty, and advocacy in the people they work with and beyond–-especially for those who experience life and work in the margins. These leaders want to create lasting connections beyond first, second, or third impressions. They want to be humanized and personalized, and that makes any grand gesture they make all the more authentic. This is the way to create rabid fans.

Before the attacks on affirmative action or even the more recent ones on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Black women leaders, often the “onlies” in the halls and boardrooms of corporate America, struggled with being seen or heard and so curating a personal brand that attracts the right opportunities inside an organization or externally can feel incredibly daunting.

A one-size-fits-all approach to personal branding typically leaves Black women leaders, who are already stretched beyond capacity, struggling to post more on social media, attempting to stay up on the algorithm shifts on business networking sites or other more tactical approaches. Some of these leaders–admitted introverts–squirm at the idea of mounting anyone’s stage to speak or might even question their ability or desire to do so.

But what if the way to stand out in a space that typically others Black women leaders or feels otherwise minimizing requires less effort to be seen or heard online or off and more effort focusing on one-to-one connections a leader can make each day with small gestures? This can be something that feels personal and far more meaningful than any speaking engagement or humble-brag post ever could. After all, the goal is brand loyalty, not simply brand awareness.

It’s a relief to many of the leaders I work with to hear that an extraordinary brand really only takes two things:

Emotional intelligence quotient (EQ)
The ability to identify, articulate, and deliver your value excellently.

To put it plainly, you need to be self-aware, able to read a room, empathize, and give the people what they need consistently, unselfishly, and outstandingly.

In consumer branding, you may hear marketing professionals call this “surprise and delight,” but this is why the best and most beloved consumer brands have dedicated teams that think about, dissect, and tweak their customer experiences each day. It takes that kind of thought, even for individual leaders.

Interrogating two thoughts should be at the heart of your efforts:

How do I want people to feel with each interaction they have with me?
What’s in it for them?

Emotional literacy, the ability to recognize and name one’s own feelings as well as those of others, is essential in this process and is a key component of EQ.

Author and psychologist Daniel Goleman has said, “The most effective leaders are all alike in one crucial way: They all have a high degree of what has come to be known as emotional intelligence. It’s not that IQ and technical skills are irrelevant. They do matter, but…they are the entry-level requirements for executive positions.”

So, not only is integrating emotional intelligence into your personal branding strategy important for loyalty and trust, but it’s also a boss move that can catapult you to the executive ranks and sustain your time there.

So, what small gesture did I extend to the hundreds of women in the room at the Branding Boot Camp at BEWPS? How did I surprise and delight them? How did I “put them in their feelings” to establish connection? I demonstrated thoughtfulness by seeking out a sponsor for my books for the book signing after the session so they wouldn’t have to pay for them. That sponsor was a beloved brand with which most of the women connected. They let out an audible gasp when I shared that former Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall of Marshalling Resources paid for the books. This freed us up to simply focus on connecting with each other one-on-one as they stood in line for more than an hour. For some, that was a handshake and a few kind words. For others, it was a hug and sharing a learning or a breakthrough from the session. Still, for others, it was a huge smile and a photo together.

Neuroscience says our brains and beings crave this kind of connection. It instantly demolishes feelings of isolation. It fires up the neurotransmitter oxytocin, “the love hormone,” which causes humans to bond. It’s the kind of bond that motivates and pushes you forward in life and leadership. Emotions help create memories, and that day, we each made a memory together over strategies, books, and tools that will impact their leadership journeys for the foreseeable future.

Curating an exquisite personal brand is not about you. It’s about the type of intentional personal experiences you create for colleagues, bosses, and stakeholders. It’s time we got out of our heads about personal branding and into our feelings to put the people who matter to our leadership trajectory in theirs.

L. Michelle Smith is the premier voice in leadership at the apex of science and culture. She is a neuroscience- and positive psychology-informed certified executive and personal coach and the author of Yes Please! 7 Ways to Say I’m Entitled to the C-Suite, the upcoming Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad-HarperCollins/JVL Media, 2026), and other award-winning leadership books.

Trump, Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro, oil

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 14, 2025

Teen Had Plans To Assassinate President Donald Trump After Allegedly Killing His Own Parents

FBI agents found a three-page document calling for Trump’s assassination in order to “save the white race.”

An unsealed affidavit from the FBI revealed Wisconsin teenager Nikita Casap, who was charged with killing his parents, was also accused of having plans to assassinate President Donald Trump, NBC News reported.

While searching for a device used by Casap, from Waukesha, officials found a “manifesto” calling for the president’s assassination in efforts to instigate a race war and sow chaos. Agents claim Casap partially paid for “a drone with a dropping mechanism” in order to inflict harm by descending “an explosive, Molotov cocktail, or very strong topical poison” on a target. “The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carrying out his plan,” the affidavit read.

FBI agents found a three-page document calling for Trump’s assassination in order to “save the white race.” “As to why, specifically Trump, I think it’s pretty obvious. By getting rid of the president and perhaps the vice president, that is guaranteed to bring in some chaos,” the document read, according to CNN. There were also images of Adolf Hitler along with the text: “HAIL HITLER HAIL THE WHITE RACE HAIL VICTORY.”

The minor allegedly wasn’t shy about his plans, as officials said Casap mentioned his plans on TikTok and Telegram while identifying himself as a Order of the Nine Angles follower. The group is known to the FBI as a neo-Nazi cult promoting “the use of violence and terrorism to overthrow governments and destroy modern civilization.”

In a message found on Telegram, Casap asked, “So while in Ukraine, I’ll be able to live a normal life? Even when it’s found out I did it?”

He also mentioned plans to a classmate who warned law enforcement. The classmate told the sheriff’s office in March 2025 that Casap boasted about plans to kill his parents but did not have access to a gun. Casap later told the classmate that he would find someone who had a gun, become their friend, and steal it, before revealing he was in contact with someone in Russia, claiming they were planning on overthrowing the U.S. government and assassinating Trump.

Casap faces nine felony charges including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of hiding a corpse. However, federal investigators are hoping to add three charges of presidential assassination, conspiracy, and use of weapons of mass destruction.

Police suspect Casap’s victims, his mother Tatiana and stepfather, Donald Mayer, were killed on February 11. Agents believe the suspect was living with the corpses for two weeks after they were found February 28 after Waukesha County Sheriff’s deputies performed a welfare check at the family’s home. When the teen appeared in court March 27, it was revealed that his mother was found in a hallway covered with blankets and a towel and his stepfather found in a first-floor office under a pile of clothing.

The new manifesto is added to a list of known assassination attempts on the President’s life. During the 2024 presidential campaign trail, Trump suffered a wound to the ear after gun shots erupted at a rally in Pennsylvania. Another alleged attempt happened at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida in September 2024.

Vybz Kartel, Murder Conviction, overturned, juror, jury, life sentence, London, gun, privy court, 32 years, life sentence

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2025

Vybz Kartel Proves He’s ‘King Of Dancehall’ With 2 Sold-Out Shows In Brooklyn

It's the Jamaican's first United States performance in over 20 years, the first since being released from prison last year

The “King of Dancehall,” Vybz Kartel, made his first United States performance in 20 years in Brooklyn, just a year after having a murder conviction overturned after spending 10 years in jail.

According to Caribbean National Weekly, Kartel performed two sold-out shows at Barclays Center on April 11 and 12. These performances made him the first dancehall artist to sell out the Barclays Center twice. The Jamaican artist brought in a total of 38,000 fans.

For Kartel’s first performance in Brooklyn, he brought a lineup of acts that electrified the crowd: Dyani, Jah Vinchi, Rvssian, Blak Ryno, Busta Rhymes, and Spice. The recording artist’s star power also lured in other celebrities like Elephant Man, Buju Banton, Dexta Daps, Stefflon Don, and a very excited Cardi B, who stated, “(I’ve) never seen it (Barclays Center) this packed.”

The next evening, there was room for more acts, as Lil’ Kim, Fabolous, and Neyomad made it to the stage. Other artists who appeared include YG Marley, Kraff, Chronic Law, Kranium, Ishawna, Skillibeng, Shenseea, and Moliy. Although he wasn’t on stage, Popcaan made his way via FaceTime.

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A post shared by KING OF DANCEHALL (@vybzkartel)

The Gleaner reported that Kartel will be in Montego Bay for the Reggae Sunfest from July 13 to July 19.

Kartel is enjoying his newfound freedom after getting his 2014 murder conviction overturned in March 2024. Rolling Stone reported that Kartel, along with Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, were convicted on March 14, 2014, in the killing of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Prosecutors stated that Lizard was allegedly killed over missing guns and that Kartel allegedly summoned him to his home, where he was reportedly beaten to death. His body was never found. The alleged incident took place in August 2011.

According to BBC News, in July 2024, the Privy Council in London overturned the March ruling after learning that a juror was accused of trying to bribe other jurors at the trial. The council concluded that the accused juror should have been kicked off the trial after discovering the attempted bribery of other jurors. On July 31, the appeal judges in Jamaica determined that the case would not go back to court, setting the freedom of Kartel, who was reportedly in poor health.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2025

Black Woman With Pig Kidney Transplant Back On Dialysis After Body Rejected Organ

Looney's relative success could lead to more procedures for alternative organ transplants.

An Alabama woman is back on dialysis after receiving a groundbreaking pig kidney transplant that her body later rejected.

When Towana Looney completed her surgery in November, it was considered a groundbreaking medical feat for alternative organ transplants. The procedure took place at the NYU Langone Health Center in New York, where Dr. Robert Montgomery surgically placed the genetically modified kidney inside Looney.

Looney lived with the organ inside her for months until her body began rejecting the part. However, doctors assured the issue did not come from the organ’s origins. Instead, Looney had to reduce her intake of anti-rejection medication after getting an infection.

According to NPR, doctors still consider her time with the organ a success. Dr. Montgomery also thanked Looney for her bravery and contribution to medical advancements.

“Towana Looney’s genetically engineered pig kidney functioned well for over four months, and she was able to enjoy life without dialysis for the first time in nine years,” explained Dr. Montgomery in a statement.

He added, “Towana’s willingness to endeavor into the unknown to help solve the nation’s organ shortage crisis will impact many more lives after her. We celebrate her tremendous courage and sacrifice. She lived with a pig kidney longer than any other human in history, and the field has learned a great deal from her. Her contribution has furthered the hope and promise of genetically engineered pig organs as an alternative source to human organs.”

While Looney was able to skip dialysis and regain some of her time back, she also now boasts the world’s longest-lasting pig organ transplant. She also expressed gratitude for taking part in medical history.

“For the first time since 2016, I enjoyed time with friends and family without planning around dialysis treatments. Though the outcome is not what anyone wanted, I know a lot was learned from my 130 days with a pig kidney—and that this can help and inspire many others in their journey to overcome kidney disease,” she added.

Looney’s relative success will pave the way for future and current pig organ receivers. Given the scarcity of organ donations available across the United States, with over 100,000 patients currently sitting on waiting lists, the implementation of alternative methods could result in more lives saved. The world’s first-ever recipient of a pig kidney transplant, Richard Slayman, died last May, two months after his surgery.

While questions remain on the safety and bioethical concerns regarding pig organ transplants, Looney’s journey proves the potential of these procedures for future trial surgeries.

Kyren Lacy, parents, suicide, Kandace Washington, Kenny Lacy

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2025

Kyren Lacy, NFL Hopeful And Former LSU Football Star, Dead Of Apparent Suicide

The NFL prospect was facing charges in a fatal car accident

Former Louisiana State University (LSU) football player, Kyren Lacy, was discovered dead April 12 of an apparent suicide, according to local police officials in Houston.

According to ESPN, the 24-year-old wide receiver was evading police officers after a family member called and said he had just fired a gun. Harris County authorities stated that police officers were pursuing him, and Lacy crashed his vehicle. When they approached to extract him from the car, they discovered that he had died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

LSU released a statement regarding the player’s death.

“We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU football student-athlete Kyren Lacy,” LSU said in a written statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing.”

The LSU Football family mourns the loss of Kyren Lacy pic.twitter.com/Me2GBZ6Ao8

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) April 13, 2025

Lacy was accused of being responsible for a 78-year-old man’s death when he allegedly caused a crash Dec. 17, 2024. The incident took place in Louisiana, and authorities claim Lacy fled the scene without giving the man aid or calling police officers. He turned himself in to police officials Jan. 12 and was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle. He was released on $151,000 bail, according to police records.

A grand jury was scheduled to start April 14.

“It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic passing of Kyren Lacy. First and foremost, we ask that the public and the media give his family the space and time they need to grieve this unimaginable loss in peace,” Lacy’s attorney, Matthew Ory, said.

WAFB reported that, along with a statement to the public, Ory seemingly placed part of the blame on prosecutors for pursuing a case in which he was confident Lacy would have been exonerated and not be charged after evidence was presented.

“From the very beginning, this so-called investigation took on the appearance of an overzealous, targeted effort—what can only be described as a witch hunt—fueled by who Kyren was and the public profile he carried.”

“Kyren was a young man with immense promise, and he was crushed under the weight of an irresponsible and prejudiced process. The negative barrage on social media, the circulation of his mugshot by nearly every news outlet rather than a standard photo, the recent civil lawsuit filed against him that named another defendant who mysteriously wasn’t charged with a crime, only him, and the overall tone of coverage painted a deeply biased picture before he ever had the chance to defend himself. There was never a presumption of innocence which was exemplified by the NFL pulling his draft card over mere accusations without affording him the slightest chance to defend himself. The pressure and perception likely became unbearable.”

According to ESPN, on Dec. 19, two days after the tragic accident, Lacy declared for the NFL draft. Once projected as the No. 6 receiver prospect by ESPN in December, after this incident, in a recent projection, he fell out of the top ten list last month.

Lacy played three seasons at LSU and had his best season last year. He caught 58 passes for 866 yards and led the team with nine touchdowns.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 14, 2025

A.1. Sauce Brand Has Last Laugh After DOE Secretary Linda McMahon Confuses With A.I.

It wasn’t too long after McMahon's remarks went viral that the popular steak sauce brand jumped in to promote the importance of education at the early stages.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon openly confused artificial intelligence (A.I.) with the Kraft Heinz’s A.1. sauce brand, and the company is getting in on the jokes, USA Today reported.

The former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) made the mix-up while speaking at the ASU+GSV Summit April 8 with a focus on innovation in the education sector — mixing them up twice. “There is a school system that is going to start making sure that first graders and even pre-k have A1 teaching every year starting that far down in the grades,” she said the first time.

The 76-year-old then repeated it after sounding excited about kids being “sponges.” “It wasn’t all that long ago ‘we’re gonna have internet in our school’ now okay, let’s see A1,” McMahon continued.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon accidentally says 'A1' instead of 'AI' pic.twitter.com/o6eMUBMJST
— FactPost (@factpostnews) April 9, 2025

It wasn’t too long after the remarks went viral that the popular steak sauce brand jumped in to promote the importance of education at the early stages. The brand posted an image on its Instagram page with the caption, “You heard her. Every school should have access to A.1.” The bottle was labeled “For educational purposes only.”

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A post shared by A.1. Original Sauce (@a1originalsauce)

Social media fans jumped in on the joke, poking fun at the former wrestling executive for her mistake. “Was she sauced?,” @leftcoastbabe wrote. Another person posted an augmented photo, using A.I., showing McMahon watching students pour the sauce, mocking a science experiment.

pic.twitter.com/8yxOVVkQox
— GamER MD (@alexandertyler) April 13, 2025

Another user on Instagram, @daniellemillerkale, commented on the brand’s post saying, “My husband wants a bottle for his desk. He teaches middle school, at least until they replace him with A.1.”

The joke was a nice distraction from the issues facing the Department of Education (DOE) after President Donald Trump announced he wants the agency “closed immediately” shortly after McMahon was confirmed. The move resulted in massive layoffs.

According to Fast Company, Heinz is known for clever marketing efforts to support trending novelties. During the success of the live-action Barbie movie, the company released a neon pink Barbie-cue sauce. When pop star Taylor Swift was seen cheering on her NFL boyfriend, fans started to wonder how she eats her chicken fingers, prompting Heinz to release a Swiftie-inspired ranch dressing.

However, this is the first time, allegedly, Heinz poked fun at a political figure.