Marc Benioff's call for troops in SF leads VC Ron Conway to leave Salesforce Foundation board

In a significant fallout from recent comments, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is experiencing repercussions after advocating for federal troops to be deployed in San Francisco. Shortly after his remarks, Ron Conway, a well-known venture capitalist and supporter of numerous startups, including Google and Airbnb, stepped down from the board of the Salesforce Foundation, as confirmed by CNBC. Conway, a notable Democratic donor who previously contributed approximately $500,000 to funds associated with Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign, expressed concerns over the alignment of values with Benioff. The New York Times first reported on Conway's resignation, which has been officially acknowledged by Salesforce. A spokesperson for the company stated their appreciation for Conway's decade-long contributions to the foundation, highlighting its efforts to donate $250 million toward public education and nonprofit initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for youth. Benioff's comments about welcoming troops to San Francisco come amid heightened tensions, as the Trump administration has deployed the National Guard in various cities, leading to protests and legal challenges. During an interview, Benioff remarked, "We don't have enough cops, so if they can be cops, I'm all for it." However, he later clarified his stance on social media, emphasizing that the responsibility for safety lies with local leaders. The initial suggestion sparked a wave of reactions, including from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who described San Francisco in stark terms. Meanwhile, Conway conveyed to Benioff via email that their perspectives had diverged significantly. Despite Benioff's bipartisan support, he has consistently backed Democratic candidates. Conway is also known for his advocacy in the tech industry and has played a pivotal role in supporting initiatives for immigration reform. His connection to Benioff's charitable efforts extends beyond the Salesforce Foundation, as he has been a prominent donor to the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. In response to the escalating situation, California Governor Gavin Newsom and local San Francisco officials have publicly stated their opposition to the idea of federal troops in the city, asserting that crime rates are on the decline. Conway has previously supported Newsom, particularly during the 2021 recall effort against the governor.