Benioff Supports National Guard in SF, Faces Backlash
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff created controversy this weekend during an interview with the New York Times. He expressed support for President Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard in San Francisco. This statement coincides with the upcoming Dreamforce conference, expected to attract approximately 45,000 attendees to the Moscone Center.
Dreamforce Conference and Security Measures
The three-day tech event will commence this week, featuring vendors, concerts, and celebrity panels in the vicinity of Yerba Buena Gardens. Given concerns about crime during large events, Benioff noted his company’s decision to fund hundreds of off-duty law enforcement officers to ensure safety around the convention area. He criticized the city’s current law enforcement presence, implying it is inadequate to manage potential crime effectively.
Support for Federal Help
In his statements, Benioff remarked, “We don’t have enough cops, so if they can be cops, I’m all for it.” He indicated a desire to see a stronger police presence in downtown San Francisco, reminiscent of years past. Following his remarks, he emphasized his commitment to enhancing safety measures for Dreamforce attendees.
Reactions from City Officials
City leaders quickly condemned Benioff’s proposal. Mayor Daniel Lurie defended the city’s efforts, stating that crime has decreased by 30% this year. In an interview with KTVU-TV, Lurie remarked, “The good vibes in San Francisco are coming back.”
- Crime reduction: 30% this year
- Mayor Lurie’s assurances: San Francisco is on the rise
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins also responded, asserting that inviting chaos is not the solution. “Mr. Benioff needs to know that’s not the solution,” she stated in an interview with KGO-TV.
Benioff Clarifies His Comments
Benioff later took to X to clarify his statements. He explained that his comments were based on experiences coordinating safety for large events. Annually, Salesforce adds about 200 law enforcement professionals to make Dreamforce as safe as possible.
Tech Industry Support and Controversy
Benioff’s comments have drawn mixed reactions within the tech industry. Fellow billionaire Elon Musk echoed the sentiment, supporting the idea of National Guard deployment. Musk described San Francisco’s downtown as a “drug zombie apocalypse,” reinforcing the urgency of the matter.
Notably, Benioff’s stance marks a significant shift from his previous liberal positions. He once held the tech industry responsible for exacerbating inequality in San Francisco, even calling it a “train wreck” in 2019 during the World Economic Forum. Recently, however, he has praised the city’s improvements and reaffirmed Salesforce’s commitment to hosting Dreamforce in San Francisco through 2027.
As the Dreamforce conference approaches, the debate over safety, law enforcement presence, and city conditions continues to evolve, positioning Benioff in a controversial light amidst his tech industry peers.
