The tech-heavy Nasdaq plunged 5.8% and also hit its lowest level since September. The S&P 500 and Dow were on pace for their worst day since the 2022 inflation crisis. The Nasdaq was on pace for its worst day since March 2020.

Little was spared in financial markets as fear flared about the potentially toxic mix of weakening economic growth and higher inflation.

The conservative newspaper's editorial board predicted how the president's dismissive comment could be used against Republicans.

As President Donald Trump departed the White House on Thursday afternoon — his first time in public since announcing sweeping new tariffs that have jolted global markets and sparked recession fears — he likened the duties he imposed this week to a successful medical procedure.