President Barack Obama said the rising anti-globalization sentiment in factions of both political parties risks a withdrawal by the U.S. from global economic competition and stymied growth.

Obama, speaking Monday in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, cited opposition to free trade deals by some Democrats and attempts by Republicans to cut the Export-Import Bank as evidence.

"There has been a confluence of anti-global engagement from both elements of the right and elements of the left that I think are a big mistake," Obama said.