Politics
WATCH: Tucker Carlson Slams Company Over Kamala Harris Donations, Announces Competitor
Tucker Carlson, a longtime proponent of nicotine pouches, told Old Row that he will no longer be supporting top brand Zyn after noting that employees and owners of parent company Philip Morris International donated to the Kamala Harris Campaign. He then announced that he plans to launch his own company in order to provide more options.
While Zyn has been around since 2014, the brand has exploded in popularity in recent years thanks in part to popular social media influencers, such as the Nelk Boys. During an appearance on Nelk’s “Full Send” podcast last year, Carlson expressed his support for Zyn and revealed that nicotine patches play an important role in his work routine.
In April 2022, parent company Philip Morris International, which acquired Zyn for $16 billion in 2022, reported that sales had increased by 80 percent year-over-year, resulting in 131.6 million cans sold. As of the acquisition and beyond, Zyn accounts for roughly three of every four purchases of oral smoke-free products, according to Tobacco Reporter, an industry publication.
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Carlson is now re-thinking his support for the company, however, pointing to Philip Morris International’s political donations. In 2024, company employees and owners have donated $18,200 to Vice President Harris’ presidential campaign, as well as $100,000 to the Democratic Lieutenant Governor’s Association, $6,600 to Democratic senate candidate Collin Allred in Texas, as well as additional donations to a number of Democrats.
While speaking with Old Row on Tuesday, Carlson explained that he is now done with Zyn. “Well, I’m going through a period of transition in my life with nicotine pouches. I’ve used a certain brand. I’m embarrassed to say it. It’s made by a huge company, huge donors to Kamala Harris. I’m not gonna use that brand anymore,” he said.
“I mean, I think it’s fine. It’s good for like your girlfriend or whatever, but I don’t think men should use that brand. It starts with a Z.”
Carlson then announced that he will be forming a competitor to the smoke-free tobacco giant called “Alp.”
“It’s a much better option, trust me,” the top-rated independent journalist added. “And I would know, I know a lot about this area. So I’m going to forego the pouches probably made by that other company.”
Is Tucker Carlson done with Z**?? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ks730gM0o9
— Old Row (@OldRowOfficial) September 17, 2024
Carlson has yet to formally announce the new venture on his own social media pages, though the company is rumored to be launching this November.
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