Tucker Carlson has unveiled a new business venture in the tobacco industry – weeks after sparking outrage for hosting a guest who defended Hitler on his podcast.
The right-wing pundit used to be an enthusiastic promoter of Zyn nicotine pouches but has turned against the brand, citing its parent company Philip Morris International and their employees’ donations to Kamala Harris.
Carlson is launching a competing product in November called Alp, claiming Zyn is for ‘women and liberals’ after a report from OpenSecrets revealed that Philip Morris staff has donated more to Harris than to Donald Trump this year.
The pundit helped Zyn become popular in conservative circles by praising the nicotine pouches in his appearances, including in an October interview where he claimed ‘Zyn is a powerful work enhancer, and also a male enhancer… if you know what I mean.’
After that interview, Carlson’s team reached out to Phillip Morris for a partnership, which the company declined, citing the pundit’s comments.
Tucker Carlson used to be an enthusiastic promoter of Zyn nicotine pouches. He is seen with one at the Republican National Convention in July
In their response, Phillip Morris said: ‘While we understand that these may be Mr. Carlson’s views, or made in jest, these statements lack a scientific foundation.
‘Given Mr. Carlson’s popularity and reach, these statements could promote a misunderstanding and misuse of our products.’
Carlson is launching a competing product in November called Alp, as he claims Zyn is for ‘women and liberals’
Carlson told the Wall Street Journal that he was enraged by the company’s response because he was ‘just joking.’
‘So I thought, I’m going to launch my own product that’s not controlled by, you know, humorless, left-wing drones,’ he said.
‘They have nothing in common with their consumers… I just thought, OK, there should be a product that reflects the style, the aesthetic, the culture, the beliefs of the people who use it.’
Carlson added: ‘I realized it’s like scolding and hectoring—it’s like my fourth-grade homeroom teacher… It’s not a brand for men, sorry.’
The pundit also slammed Zyn in an interview with the clothing brand Old Row, saying: ‘I mean I think it’s fine…for like your girlfriend or whatever, but I don’t think men should use that brand.’
Phillip Morris told the WSJ in a statement that ‘It’s frustrating that Mr. Carlson wants to turn Zyn into a political football to promote his own business venture.’
The spokesperson added that Zyn users include both Republicans and Democrats.
Carlson’s new business venture comes after the White House slammed him for his interview with a historian who claimed that Adolf Hitler was not World War II’s chief villain
The right-wing pundit is an avid user of nicotine pouches
Carlson’s new business venture comes after the White House slammed him for his interview with a historian who claimed that Adolf Hitler was not World War II’s chief villain.
Daryl Cooper – a podcast host and so-called historian – caused controversy when he said that not only did the Nazis not intend to murder millions but that Winston Churchill is the main villain of the war.
The show caused outrage online, especially after X CEO Elon Musk quote-tweeted the video, writing: ‘Very interesting. Worth watching’. Musk has since deleted the post.