Benioff Retracts Remarks on Trump Deploying National Guard to San Francisco

Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, recently clarified his earlier remarks regarding federal intervention in San Francisco’s public safety ahead of the company’s significant annual event, Dreamforce.

Benioff’s Daylight Clarification

Initially, Benioff stated he would endorse the Trump administration’s deployment of the National Guard to the city. However, he retracted his comments, emphasizing that San Francisco’s safety challenges require a multifaceted approach.

In a post on X, Benioff elaborated, stating, “We need to continue exploring every possible pathway to create a safer city for everyone.” He highlighted the city’s need for additional resources, particularly noting that Salesforce adds around 200 law enforcement personnel each year for the event, which attracts 50,000 attendees.

Response from Local Leaders

Following his initial statements, local officials expressed their concerns. Mayor Daniel Lurie stated his confidence in the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and noted a decrease in crime rates. He reiterated this sentiment when approached by reporters during the Italian Heritage Festival.

• Mayor Lurie: “I trust our local law enforcement.”
• Supervisor Matt Dorsey criticized Benioff’s suggestion as damaging to the city’s image.

Reactions from the Tech Community

Benioff’s remarks stirred reactions within the tech sector. Elon Musk expressed support on X, stating, “It’s the only solution at this point.” Nonetheless, many in the tech community opted for silence, avoiding the politically charged issue.

Observations from venture capitalist David Sacks and Blaze AI CEO Adam Nathan noted that while Benioff’s comments may seem controversial, they reflect real concerns about ongoing public safety issues, particularly drug-related problems in the city.

Benioff’s Commitment to San Francisco

After retracting his earlier stance, Benioff reaffirmed that safety should be managed by city and state leaders, commending Mayor Lurie for efforts to enhance SFPD recruitment.

Further, he announced Salesforce’s commitment of $1 million aimed at hiring bonuses for new police officers, emphasizing collaboration across various community leadership levels.

“As a fourth-generation San Franciscan, I have always believed that we make progress for our city when we work together,” Benioff concluded, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in addressing public safety.