Trump Credits Benioff, Huang for Decision Not to ‘Surge’ Fed Troops into San Francisco
President Donald Trump says he called off plans to “surge” federal troops into San Francisco after tech giants Marc Benioff and Jensen Huang urged him to reconsider. The revelation came via a Truth Social post Thursday, where Trump credited both leaders for persuading him to hold back the National Guard operation.
Image Credits:Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group / Getty Images
Inside Trump’s Planned San Francisco Operation
According to Trump, federal authorities had prepared to deploy National Guard troops to San Francisco to address what he described as “public safety failures.” However, conversations with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang reportedly changed his mind. Both tech executives are said to have emphasized local collaboration over federal intervention.
City Confirms the Plan Was Scrapped
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie confirmed that a federal troop operation had been planned but ultimately canceled. While he didn’t specify who spoke with Trump, his statement aligned with the president’s post. “We are committed to ensuring safety through community partnerships and local enforcement,” Lurie said.
Why Benioff’s Role Stands Out
Marc Benioff’s involvement drew particular attention. Earlier this month, the Salesforce founder — a San Francisco native — faced backlash after suggesting National Guard patrols could improve city safety. His comment prompted venture capitalist Ron Conway to resign from Salesforce’s philanthropic board and publicly criticize Benioff’s remarks.
Benioff later apologized, clarifying his stance. He wrote on X that after hosting “the largest and safest Dreamforce in history,” he no longer believed the National Guard was needed. His recent conversation with Trump appears to reinforce that shift — moving from support for federal intervention to advocating for community-based solutions.
Huang’s Influence Behind the Scenes
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, known for his influence in both tech and policy circles, also reportedly reached out to Trump. Huang is said to have urged the president to consider the potential economic and social repercussions of deploying troops into one of America’s key innovation hubs.
His appeal may have carried additional weight given Nvidia’s growing prominence in U.S. technology leadership and AI development.
From Political Optics to Tech Diplomacy
Trump’s acknowledgment of Benioff and Huang signals an unusual alignment between politics and Silicon Valley leadership. The move highlights how top tech figures can sway federal decision-making — especially when local economies and global reputations are at stake.
Analysts note that this episode illustrates the evolving power dynamic between Washington and Big Tech. Rather than confrontation, collaboration appears to be emerging as the preferred approach, particularly around urban safety and economic stability.
The Bigger Picture for San Francisco
San Francisco’s challenges with homelessness, crime perception, and economic recovery have made it a political flashpoint. The city has been working to rebuild its image post-pandemic, particularly ahead of major tech events that draw global attention.
With Benioff and Huang stepping into the political arena, their influence could shape not just local policy but also the broader national narrative around urban renewal and federal intervention.
What Comes Next
While Trump’s post credited Benioff and Huang for preventing the troop “surge,” it also hinted that federal involvement remains on the table if conditions worsen. For now, the decision not to deploy marks a rare moment of consensus between the tech community and the Trump administration.
Observers are watching closely to see whether this newfound cooperation continues — and whether San Francisco can leverage its tech leadership to address persistent safety and perception issues.
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