VC Legend Ron Conway Quits Salesforce Foundation After Benioff’s National Guard Comments
VC legend Ron Conway quits Salesforce Foundation after Benioff’s National Guard comments — a shocking fallout between two longtime friends and tech power players. The split marks a rare public rift inside Silicon Valley’s philanthropic circles after Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s controversial remarks supporting President Trump’s call to deploy the National Guard in San Francisco.
Benioff’s Controversial Remarks Spark Fallout
In an interview with The New York Times, Benioff said he “fully supported” President Trump and backed the idea of using National Guard troops to patrol San Francisco’s streets. He described the move as necessary to address “rampant crime and homelessness” and called for “a show of force” in the city.
Benioff also praised Elon Musk’s efficiency in government reform, while distancing himself from Trump’s immigration raids and attacks on the press — despite owning Time magazine since 2018.
Conway Steps Down After Decade Of Service
After the comments went public, Ron Conway resigned from the Salesforce Foundation, ending his decade-long tenure on the board. The Foundation, which focuses on education and workforce development for underprivileged youth, donated $36 million in 2023 and reported $400 million in assets that same year, according to tax filings cited by The New York Times.
Conway’s departure comes as a surprise given his long-standing partnership with Benioff. The two shared similar political ideals for over 25 years and were often aligned on social and civic issues — until now.
A Deeply Personal Rift Between Tech Allies
In an email obtained by The New York Times, Conway expressed disappointment in Benioff’s stance:
“It saddens me immensely to say that with your recent comments, and failure to understand their impact, I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired,” Conway wrote.
The letter underscores the growing divide in Silicon Valley as some prominent investors shift toward supporting Trump’s policies amid rising public safety and regulatory concerns.
Salesforce Confirms The Resignation
A Salesforce spokesperson confirmed Conway’s exit to TechCrunch, stating:
“We have deep gratitude for Ron Conway and his incredible contributions to the Salesforce Foundation Board for over a decade.”
The spokesperson did not comment further on the disagreement or whether Benioff plans to address Conway’s criticism publicly.
Tech’s Political Divide Widens
Benioff joins a growing list of high-profile tech leaders who have pivoted politically in recent years. Once vocal Democratic donors, many are now backing Trump’s business-friendly agenda. The timing of Conway’s resignation — coinciding with Salesforce’s annual Dreamforce conference — added fuel to the controversy, sparking debates across the tech industry about leadership, accountability, and values in corporate philanthropy.
The news that VC legend Ron Conway quits Salesforce Foundation after Benioff’s National Guard comments captures a turning point in Silicon Valley’s social and political landscape. Once united by innovation and progressive ideals, many of its leaders now find themselves divided — reflecting broader cultural tensions playing out across the U.S. tech scene.
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