STAT+: Zyn scrutiny from Sen. Chuck Schumer prompts an unlikely culture war
After Sen. Chuck Schumer raised concerns about Zyn nicotine pouches, conservatives sounded off. What could the government actually do?
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wants the federal government to investigate Zyn nicotine pouches.
Schumer is no stranger to calling for crackdowns on popular products — he’s done similar with Four Loko and Logan Paul’s line of energy drinks. The problem for Schumer this time around is that many users of Zyn are very passionate, and very, very online.
Zyn, a so-called nicotine pouch, has become particularly popular among certain conservative men, the most notable being Tucker Carlson, who recently said, “I use Zyn every second that I’m awake.” Schumer’s remarks have since prompted meme-laden backlash on social media, in conservative news outlets, and especially among Republican members of Congress. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) called for a “Zynsurrection.” Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), the chair of the House Republicans campaign arm, tweeted a photo of him in camo proudly holding a Zyn with the message: “Big Brother Schumer doesn’t want us to chew or smoke.” Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) tweeted a new version of the so-called Gonzales flag. The National Republican Senatorial Committee joined in too.
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