On Friday, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff publicly apologized for his controversial suggestion that US President Donald Trump should consider deploying National Guard troops to San Francisco. This statement ignited significant backlash just days before the annual Dreamforce conference in the city, a major event for the tech giant. Benioff's comments had raised concerns among residents and local leaders, prompting him to reconsider his stance.
In a follow-up statement, Benioff acknowledged the sentiments of his fellow San Franciscans, declaring, "I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco." His apology aimed to quell the uproar surrounding his initial remarks. The situation unfolded amidst ongoing military deployments by the Trump administration to various US cities, many governed by Democratic leaders, which added fuel to the fire of public discontent.
This controversy cast a shadow over the usually vibrant Dreamforce convention. Notably, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, along with popular comedians Kumail Nanjiani and Ilana Glazer, canceled their planned appearances, contributing to a subdued atmosphere at the event. The fallout from Benioff's comments drew public rebukes from several prominent Democratic politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who previously shared the stage with Benioff at last year's event.
In the wake of Benioff's remarks, venture capitalist Ron Conway resigned from the board of the Salesforce Foundation, stating that their values no longer aligned. "I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired," Conway expressed, highlighting the profound impact of Benioff's comments on his reputation. Though Benioff attempted to mitigate the backlash earlier in the week, his social media apology on Friday sought to restore public trust and demonstrate his commitment to a safer San Francisco.
In his apology, Benioff expressed gratitude towards Mayor Lurie, the SFPD, and other partners, emphasizing his dedication to a "safer, stronger San Francisco." He explained that his earlier suggestion for a security crackdown stemmed from concern over safety during the large-scale Dreamforce event and added, "I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused." This remark reflects the delicate balance tech leaders must navigate between business interests and community relations.
Marc Benioff, known for his philanthropy in San Francisco, has a long history of supporting civic causes. His name is associated with one of the most prestigious hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in 2018, he backed a ballot measure aimed at increasing corporate taxes to fund homeless services. This measure passed despite considerable debate. Interestingly, while he has previously supported Democratic initiatives, Benioff was seen with President Trump during a recent state visit to London, highlighting the complexities of his political affiliations.
President Trump has identified San Francisco as a potential target for future National Guard deployments, referring to the city as a "mess." Concurrently, he filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to allow for a National Guard deployment in Chicago, which has been blocked by lower courts due to concerns over potential civil unrest. Critics argue that such military interventions infringe upon state sovereignty, with officials in Illinois actively opposing the deployment.
In related news, the New York Times reported that Salesforce proposed its services to the Trump administration as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ramps up recruitment amid a crackdown on immigration. This engagement has raised eyebrows in the tech community, further complicating Salesforce's public image. Following the unfolding events, Trump administration official David Sacks extended an invitation to Benioff via social media, suggesting that if Democrats no longer wanted him, he should consider aligning with their team.
