Salesforce CEO says National Guard should patrol San Francisco — stunning his own PR team

Marc Benioff, the well-known billionaire and CEO of Salesforce, has long been an influential figure in San Francisco, recognized for his philanthropic efforts in funding homeless services and contributing to local schools. However, in a recent interview with the New York Times, conducted from his private plane, he unveiled a surprising shift in his political stance that caught even his communications team off guard. During the extensive interview, Benioff expressed his unequivocal support for President Trump, suggesting that National Guard troops should patrol the streets of San Francisco. He fondly recounted his experiences at a state dinner at Windsor Castle, where he conveyed his appreciation to Trump for his policies. Additionally, he praised Elon Musk’s initiatives to enhance government efficiency and admitted to not being well-informed about ongoing immigration actions or criticisms directed at the media by the Trump administration. The conversation, which lasted for 50 minutes, reportedly concluded with Benioff turning to his public relations executive, seemingly realizing the controversial nature of his comments. He inquired, “What about the political questions? Too spicy?” This exchange highlights a significant moment in Silicon Valley's evolving political landscape, raising the question of whether other tech leaders will follow Benioff's example in advocating for federal intervention in local affairs.