President Donald Trump said Russia and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the plunge in US stocks, as he attempted to shift the blame away from his administration amid growing criticism of his handling of the coronavirus outbreak that has wreaked havoc on global markets.
“ Saudi Arabia and Russia are arguing over the price and flow of oil. That, and the Fake News, is the reason for the market drop!” Mr Trump tweeted on Monday.
As the number of Americans with the virus has grown, the US president has come under harsh criticism for how he is tackling the coronavirus crisis — particularly his rhetoric, including advice that contradicts US health authorities.