Salesforce CEO Says National Guard Should Patrol San Francisco — Stunning His Own PR Team
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has sparked intense debate after declaring that National Guard troops should patrol San Francisco, a statement that reportedly stunned his own PR team. The billionaire founder, long known for his liberal-leaning philanthropy and support for progressive causes, appeared to take a sharp political turn during a recent interview with The New York Times.
Benioff, who has donated millions to the city’s public schools and homeless services, told the Times that he “fully supported” former President Donald Trump — a position that shocked many within his inner circle and the broader tech community. The Salesforce CEO says National Guard should patrol San Francisco to help address what he described as “out-of-control urban decay.”
A Sudden Political Shift That Caught Everyone Off Guard
During the 50-minute phone interview, conducted from Benioff’s private plane, he spoke glowingly about Trump’s leadership and even recalled a conversation they had at a Windsor Castle state dinner. “I told him how grateful I am for everything he’s doing,” Benioff said, according to the report.
The Salesforce chief also praised Elon Musk’s government efficiency efforts, adding that he hadn’t followed recent controversies around immigration raids or media crackdowns closely. His remarks, however, reportedly left his public relations executive speechless. At one point, Benioff could be heard asking, “What about the political questions? Too spicy?”
Salesforce’s Federal Ties Add to the Controversy
Salesforce has hundreds of contracts with the U.S. government, making Benioff’s comments particularly sensitive. Industry insiders say his endorsement of National Guard patrols could complicate relationships with local officials in San Francisco — a city where Salesforce’s towering headquarters symbolizes both tech wealth and civic responsibility.
A Reflection Of Silicon Valley’s Political Realignment
Benioff’s comments echo a broader trend in Silicon Valley, where many executives have grown increasingly vocal about public safety and government efficiency. The Salesforce CEO’s call for National Guard patrols in San Francisco underscores how even the city’s most progressive leaders are rethinking their stance amid rising concerns about urban management.
Whether this signals a long-term political shift for Benioff — or simply an unfiltered moment — remains unclear. But one thing is certain: the episode has thrust Salesforce and its outspoken founder into the center of America’s culture and politics debate once again.
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