Salesforce CEO apologizes for saying Trump should send National Guard to San Francisco

Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, issued an apology on Friday regarding his previous statements that appeared to support President Donald Trump's proposal to send federal troops to San Francisco, where Salesforce is headquartered. In a post on social media platform X, Benioff expressed that, after listening to his fellow San Franciscans and local officials, he no longer believes the National Guard is necessary to maintain safety in the city. His initial remarks had sparked significant backlash, especially after the Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard in cities like Portland and Chicago, which led to widespread protests and legal challenges. In a recent New York Times article, Benioff had indicated his support for federal troops, stating, "We don't have enough cops, so if they can be cops, I'm all for it," during the annual Dreamforce conference held in downtown San Francisco. In response to his comments, local leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, quickly condemned the idea of federal troops in San Francisco, asserting that crime rates are decreasing and emphasizing that the city does not require military intervention. Prominent investor Ron Conway, known for backing major tech companies, resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board, citing a misalignment of values with Benioff, who has historically supported candidates from both major political parties. Following the uproar, Benioff attempted to clarify his stance, stating that the responsibility for safety lies primarily with local and state leaders. However, his initial remarks were already being amplified by figures such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who criticized the state of downtown San Francisco. Amid the escalating discourse, Trump labeled the city as "a mess," reiterating the possibility of sending in the National Guard. This situation continues to develop, with further updates expected as reactions unfold.