Troops in US cities? Tech billionaires are shaping that, too.

In a surprising announcement, former President Donald Trump revealed on social media his intention to deploy troops to San Francisco this weekend. However, he claimed to have been persuaded against this move by prominent figures in the tech industry. Trump specifically mentioned influential friends, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who urged him to reconsider, suggesting that the city's future remains bright. This interaction highlights the considerable influence that wealthy tech executives wield over political decisions. Notably, Sam Altman recently referred to Trump as a 'pro-business, pro-innovation president' during a White House event, while Tim Cook commended Trump’s leadership style. Such praise is indicative of the close ties between these tech leaders and the former administration. Moreover, these executives are not merely supporters; they have vested interests in various federal policies, particularly regarding AI regulation, cryptocurrencies, and government contracts. Their involvement now extends to shaping the narrative around the militarization of American cities. Take Marc Benioff, for instance. He recently shared his concerns during an interview, conducted via phone from his private plane, about the heightened security measures necessary for his upcoming 'Dreamforce' conference in San Francisco. With his primary residence now in Hawaii, Benioff expressed frustration over the need for extensive security to ensure the safety of attendees. This illustrates a growing tension in urban environments, where safety concerns are becoming increasingly prominent, fueling debates over the realities of city life and the responses of both tech leaders and government officials.