The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee thinks Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a “rookie mistake” earlier this week when he undercut Ukraine’s bargaining position with Russia before peace talks have even started.

Wicker went on to compare Hegseth’s remarks to something far-right commentator Tucker Carlson would have written. Carlson received backlash for his interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin last year and has baselessly accused the Biden administration of trying to “kill” the leader.

In a speech earlier today, Vice President Vance downplayed the threat from Russia by warning European leaders they should be more concerned about the "threat from within." NBC News’ Aaron Gilchrist reports the latest.

Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said the defense secretary made a ‘rookie mistake.’

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) painted recent remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on whether Ukraine would be welcomed into NATO a “rookie mistake.” “Hegseth is going to be a great Defense