If there was ever a time to need a nicotine boost, it would be during a Senate confirmation hearing, especially when facing figures like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders. U.S. Senators wield significant power and can determine the fate of any nominee in a matter of moments. For Trump’s nominees, a career-defining promotion could be derailed instantly, possibly due to a political maneuver made behind closed doors.
Under such intense pressure, it’s no surprise that some might turn to nicotine for a moment of focus. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discreetly slipped something into his mouth mid-session, catching the attention of onlookers and social media users alike.
RFK Jr. was spotted using a Mountain Wintergreen ALP pouch, a product from Tucker Carlson’s new nicotine company, rather than the more common ZYN pouches. Social media users initially speculated he was using ZYN, but it was later confirmed that Kennedy had opted for ALP, further bolstering the brand’s reputation among conservatives.
Some users reacted positively, praising Kennedy’s display as a sign of resilience in the face of an adversarial political environment. One post stated, “RFK Jr. slips in a Zyn in the middle of his Senate confirmation hearing… give him the job.” Others highlighted that nicotine has long been a go-to stimulant for high-pressure situations, from golf courses to the highest levels of government.
Tucker Carlson’s ALP nicotine pouches are gaining traction and are now poised to challenge ZYN’s dominance in the market. A recent survey indicated that ALP could soon become the leading nicotine pouch brand, a trend fueled in part by endorsements from public figures like Kennedy.
Public health officials remain critical of nicotine use, but among conservatives, the reaction was largely favorable, viewing Kennedy’s move as another pushback against government overreach. Many saw it as emblematic of a more traditional, unfiltered approach to leadership.
