US stocks witnessed a sharp decline on Monday as trade tensions escalated and President Trump criticized the Federal Reserve. The major indexes recorded substantial losses, prompting investors to flock to safe havens such as gold. Worries about the Fed’s autonomy and the economic impact of trade measures added to market volatility, leading to a weaker US dollar and concerns about a possible recession. The turmoil in the stock market reflects the growing unease among investors amid the ongoing trade war and political uncertainties.