Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Apologizes For Saying National Guard Troops Needed In San Francisco
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has walked back his earlier remarks about deploying National Guard troops in San Francisco. The tech billionaire issued an apology on X, acknowledging the controversy his statements caused and clarifying his stance on public safety in the city.
Image Credits:Stefan Wermuth / Getty Images
“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,” Benioff wrote. “My earlier comment came from an abundance of caution around the event, and I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused.”
Why Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s Apology Matters
The apology comes days after Benioff faced backlash for saying the National Guard should be deployed in San Francisco. His initial comments appeared in a New York Times interview, where he expressed support for former President Donald Trump’s stance on using federal troops in Democrat-led cities.
During the interview, Benioff reportedly said, “I fully support the president,” and called Trump “a great leader.” The statement shocked many, especially considering Benioff’s long history of progressive activism and civic engagement in San Francisco.
Fallout After The National Guard Remarks
Benioff’s comments triggered immediate criticism from political allies, community leaders, and even close associates. Venture capitalist Ron Conway, a longtime friend and philanthropist, resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board. In an email reportedly sent to Benioff, Conway said, “I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired.”
An event that was supposed to feature Benioff and San Francisco Mayor Dan Lurie was canceled shortly after — officially due to rain, though the timing raised eyebrows.
Political And Community Reactions
California State Senator Scott Wiener welcomed Benioff’s decision to retract his statement. “I’m grateful that Marc walked back his call for the National Guard to be deployed in San Francisco. Marc has done so many good things for our city — and supported so many civic needs — and I’m glad to see this shift,” Wiener told Politico.
Many San Franciscans echoed Wiener’s sentiment, saying Benioff’s apology was a positive step toward healing community trust. However, others noted that the incident reflects a growing tension among tech leaders who are increasingly aligning with conservative viewpoints.
Dreamforce And Public Safety Concerns
Benioff initially justified his comments by pointing to safety worries during Dreamforce 2025, Salesforce’s massive annual conference in downtown San Francisco. The event drew thousands of attendees and required extensive coordination with city officials. Despite those concerns, Dreamforce concluded without major incidents — prompting Benioff’s public reversal.
In his apology, Benioff emphasized his love for San Francisco and his ongoing commitment to the city’s future. “Our community is resilient,” he said. “I believe in our city, and I know we can solve our challenges together.”
Post a Comment