Salesforce’s Marc Benioff and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang reportedly persuaded Trump to call off a military operation aimed at the tech capital’s streets
Trump Scraps Troop Deployment After Tech Exec Talks
In a surprising revelation on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump said he abandoned plans to deploy National Guard troops into San Francisco after speaking with prominent tech leaders, including Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
- Trump had intended to “surge” federal forces into the city in response to crime and homelessness concerns.
- He credits calls from Benioff and Huang with convincing him to de-escalate.
The statement confirms long-rumored tensions between the federal government and San Francisco’s local leadership, and highlights the growing political influence of tech industry leaders in shaping national decisions.
City Leadership Confirms Operation Was on the Table
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie acknowledged that the National Guard operation was planned and then cancelled, though he stopped short of naming who influenced the reversal.
“There were serious conversations happening at the federal level, and we’re grateful for the resolution,” Lurie’s office said in a brief statement.
Lurie is expected to discuss public safety and policy de-escalation efforts next week at TechCrunch Disrupt, an event that may provide more insight into the city’s recent transformation efforts.
Benioff’s Reversal on Troop Presence Sparks Controversy—and Action
Benioff’s role is especially notable given his public flip-flop on the use of National Guard troops:
- Earlier this month, he publicly supported Trump and advocated for troop deployments to help address San Francisco’s safety concerns.
- The statement triggered backlash, most notably from longtime friend and investor Ron Conway, who resigned from Salesforce’s foundation board in protest.
- Days later, Benioff walked back the comments, pointing to a safe and successful Dreamforce conference as proof that local efforts were working.
“I do not believe the National Guard is needed,” Benioff posted on X, clarifying his earlier remarks.
Now it appears he went beyond a public reversal—directly appealing to Trump to halt military involvement.
Nvidia’s Jensen Huang: A Quiet Power Broker?
Though less publicly vocal than Benioff, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was also credited by Trump as a key voice in the decision.
- Huang, who rarely comments on political matters, is one of the most influential figures in the AI and chip industry, and Nvidia has a large presence in the Bay Area.
- His involvement signals the behind-the-scenes clout that tech leaders wield when public policy collides with innovation hubs like San Francisco.
San Francisco: From Flashpoint to Rallying Point?
San Francisco has faced growing scrutiny over crime, homelessness, and its post-pandemic recovery, making it a symbolic battleground in national conversations about urban decline and federal intervention.
However, recent events like the record-setting Dreamforce conference, new tech investment, and public safety improvements have given city leaders momentum to push back against aggressive federal tactics.
With the AI industry booming in the Bay Area, and the city looking to rebuild its reputation, tech executives now find themselves both economic and political stakeholders in its future.
