After endorsing Trump and calling for military deployment in San Francisco, Benioff apologizes and clarifies his stance, facing sharp criticism from allies and political leaders.
From Bold Declaration to Apology: Benioff Backpedals
Marc Benioff, the billionaire CEO of Salesforce, has issued a public apology after his comments supporting National Guard deployment in San Francisco sparked widespread outrage.
- In a post on X, Benioff said his earlier remarks were driven by “an abundance of caution” surrounding the Dreamforce conference, but now believes military intervention isn’t needed.
- He added: “I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused.”
The retraction comes after Benioff’s interview with The New York Times, where he surprisingly praised President Trump and echoed his controversial calls for militarized responses in Democratic-led cities.
Embrace of Trump Sparks Political Firestorm
In the interview, Benioff — once seen as a progressive tech leader — declared:
“I fully support the president. He’s doing a great job.”
- He reportedly ended the conversation by asking his PR handler: “Too spicy?”
- The praise came alongside his support for Trump’s National Guard threats, including in cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington, DC.
Benioff’s remarks stunned many of his longtime Democratic allies and raised questions about a growing rightward shift among tech elites.
Fallout from Allies and the Salesforce Community
The backlash was swift and personal:
- Ron Conway, a prominent investor and philanthropist, resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board, telling Benioff: “I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired.”
- A public event featuring Benioff and San Francisco Mayor Dan Lurie was abruptly canceled, with organizers citing weather — though few missed the symbolism.
State Senator Scott Wiener, a leading San Francisco Democrat, acknowledged the apology but made it clear that Benioff had crossed a line:
“Marc has done so many good things for our city… I’m glad to see this shift.”
Safety at Dreamforce: The Root of the Controversy
Benioff’s comments came in the lead-up to Dreamforce, Salesforce’s annual mega-conference, held in downtown San Francisco.
- The event went off without incident and was described as “the largest and safest” in the company’s history.
- Benioff later admitted this successful outcome contributed to his change in position.
Still, many viewed the National Guard comments as out of step with the city’s needs and potentially damaging to its public image.
A Broader Shift in Tech’s Political Climate
Benioff’s initial remarks reflect a larger trend: some tech leaders are openly aligning with Trump and embracing more hardline rhetoric on crime and urban decline.
- Public safety concerns in cities like San Francisco have become a flashpoint issue, often used to justify law-and-order messaging.
- But critics argue that military deployments are not the solution — and warn that such language can deepen political polarization and erode civic trust.
Even as Benioff walks his comments back, the damage to relationships and reputation may linger — especially among those who viewed him as a civic-minded leader grounded in liberal values.
