Marc Benioff, the co-founder and CEO of Salesforce, has recently retracted his earlier statements advocating for the deployment of the National Guard in San Francisco. In a thoughtful post shared on X, Benioff stated, “Having listened closely to my fellow San Franciscans and our local officials, and after the largest and safest Dreamforce in our history, I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco.” He expressed regret for any alarm his previous remarks may have caused, emphasizing that his initial comments stemmed from a place of caution regarding public safety during the high-profile Dreamforce conference.
Benioff's initial comments ignited significant controversy after an interview with The New York Times in which he voiced support for former President Donald Trump's proposals to deploy National Guard troops in cities governed by Democratic leaders, including San Francisco. His remarks appeared to be driven by concerns over public safety and associated costs during the massive Dreamforce event. In the same interview, Benioff controversially stated, “I fully support the president,” adding that Trump is “doing a great job.” At the end of the interview, he reportedly questioned his public relations representative, “Too spicy?” highlighting the unexpected nature of his comments.
The response to Benioff's pro-Trump sentiments and his call for military presence in San Francisco was swift and critical. Longtime supporters and Democratic politicians expressed their disapproval. Notably, well-known venture capitalist Ron Conway stepped down from the board of the Salesforce Foundation, reportedly conveying to Benioff in an email, “I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired.” Additionally, an event that was set to feature Benioff alongside San Francisco Mayor Dan Lurie was canceled, with organizers citing inclement weather as the reason.
State Senator Scott Wiener, who represents San Francisco, responded positively to Benioff's retraction, stating, “I’m grateful that Marc walked back his call for the National Guard to be deployed in San Francisco.” Wiener acknowledged Benioff's contributions to the city, saying, “Marc has done so many good things for our city — and supported so many civic needs — and I’m glad to see this shift.” This sentiment reflects a broader hope among local leaders that Benioff will continue to engage constructively with the community.
In summary, Marc Benioff's recent comments regarding public safety in San Francisco have evolved following community feedback. His initial remarks sparked considerable debate and led to significant backlash from allies, emphasizing the delicate balance public figures must maintain when addressing sensitive issues like safety and political support. As the tech industry continues to navigate a changing political landscape, Benioff's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the implications of public statements and the importance of community dialogue.
