At a press event in Japan, Barack Obama said world leaders have reason to worry about a Trump presidency because the man has little knowledge about world affairs. Obama is in Japan to attend a Group of Seven (G7) summit and to visit Hiroshima. When asked Thursday about how foreign leaders view Donald Trump’s candidacy, Obama replied, “They are rattled by it — and for good reason. Because a lot of the proposals he has made display either ignorance of world affairs, or a cavalier attitude, or an interest in getting tweets and headlines.”

It was a cynical statement that has the potential to poison Trump’s diplomatic efforts if he ever were to occupy the White House. Regardless of the truth of the statement, it’s improper for the chief executive to wade into election politics. It’s doubly so when the president’s first duty while abroad is to be America’s best advocate. What is Obama saying behind closed doors to these leaders that Trump may have to work with one day? This is Obama’s narcissistic, partisan personality at work. If a Democrat does not take office who can further his policies, then he’s going to ensure the next president starts off with a diplomatic disadvantage.