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 its employees’ donations to Kamala Harris.
Carlson will launch a competing product in November called Alp, claiming Zyn is for “women and liberals” after an OpenSecrets report revealed that Philip Morris staff have donated more to Harris than Donald Trump this year.
The pundit helped make Zyn popular in conservative circles by praising nicotine pouches in his appearances, including in an October interview where he claimed, “Zyn is a powerful job enhancer and also a male enhancer… if you know what I mean.”
Following that interview, Carlson’s team reached out to Phillip Morris to propose a partnership, but the company rejected the proposal, citing the expert’s comments.
Tucker Carlson used to be an enthusiastic promoter of Zyn nicotine pouches. He is seen carrying one at the Republican National Convention in July.
In its response, Phillip Morris said: ‘While we understand that these may be Mr. Carlson’s opinions or made in jest, these statements lack scientific basis.
‘Given Mr. Carlson’s popularity and reach, these statements could promote misunderstanding and misuse of our products.’
Carlson is launching a competing product called Alp in November, saying Zyn is for “women and liberals.”
Carlson told the The Wall Street Journal who was enraged by the company’s response because “I was just joking.”
“So I thought, I’m going to launch my own product that’s not controlled by, you know, humorless, leftist 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 aesthetics, the culture, the beliefs of the people who use it.”
Carlson added: “I realized it’s like nagging and lecturing; it’s like my fourth grade teacher… It’s not a brand for men, I’m sorry.”
The pundit also criticized Zyn in an interview with clothing brand Old Row, saying: “I mean, I think it’s fine… for your girlfriend or whatever, but I don’t think men should wear that brand.”
Phillip Morris told the WSJ in a statement that “it is frustrating that Mr. Carlson wants to turn Zyn into a political football to promote his own business.”
The spokesman added that Zyn users include both Republicans and Democrats.
Carlson’s new business venture comes after the White House criticized him for his interview with a historian who claimed Adolf Hitler was not the main villain of World War II.
The right-wing pundit is an avid user of nicotine pouches.
Carlson’s new business venture comes after the White House criticized him for his interview with a historian who claimed Adolf Hitler was not the main villain of World War II.
Daryl Cooper, a podcast host and self-proclaimed 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 sparked outrage online, especially after X CEO Elon Musk quoted the video on Twitter, writing, “Very interesting. Worth watching.” Musk deleted the post.
