Marc Benioff’s unexpected praise for Trump and call for military patrols in San Francisco marks a dramatic political shift — and catches even his own PR team off guard.
A Tech Titan’s Sudden Political Reversal
Marc Benioff, once hailed as San Francisco’s most progressive billionaire, has stunned the tech world with a series of pro-Trump and pro-military statements, marking a sharp departure from his long-standing liberal image.
In a New York Times interview conducted aboard his private jet, the Salesforce CEO said he “fully supported” Donald Trump, praised Elon Musk’s efficiency crusade, and suggested that National Guard troops should patrol the streets of San Francisco to address public safety concerns.
The remarks come despite Salesforce’s extensive federal contracts — and left even his communications executive visibly rattled, according to the Times.
What Exactly Did Benioff Say?
- On Trump: “I fully support him,” Benioff reportedly said, recalling a state dinner at Windsor Castle where he thanked Trump for “everything he’s doing.”
- On San Francisco: He suggested military intervention, saying the National Guard should be deployed to help restore order in the city.
- On current events: Benioff admitted he was not following issues like immigration raids or media crackdowns closely.
- On Elon Musk: He praised Musk’s government streamlining efforts, aligning himself with a more libertarian-leaning approach to tech and governance.
The tone and content of Benioff’s remarks represent a dramatic ideological shift from his history of philanthropy, progressive advocacy, and frequent criticisms of Republican leadership in the past.
A Moment That Stunned His Own Team
According to the Times, the conversation ended awkwardly when Benioff noticed the reaction of his PR executive and asked, “What about the political questions? Too spicy?”
That exchange offered a rare behind-the-curtain moment, revealing that even Salesforce’s own team may have been unprepared for Benioff’s shift in public stance.
Why This Matters
Benioff’s comments could have far-reaching implications — not just for Salesforce’s brand, but also for Silicon Valley’s evolving relationship with federal power.
- Salesforce holds hundreds of government contracts; outspoken political alignment could complicate bipartisan relationships.
- Calling for National Guard deployment in a historically liberal city like San Francisco could alienate local allies, including nonprofits and civic groups Salesforce has long supported.
- His praise for Trump signals a broader realignment among tech elites, some of whom now favor efficiency over ideology, particularly as regulatory pressures mount under Democratic administrations.
A Broader Shift in Tech?
Benioff may not be alone. Other tech leaders have begun softening their public stances on Trump, aligning with national interests, military contractors, or free-market deregulation.
Whether this is a calculated strategic pivot or a genuine political evolution, Benioff’s remarks bring into sharp focus the complex balancing act tech CEOs face:
Staying relevant in a global business while managing the optics of their personal beliefs in a deeply polarized country.
Fallout to Watch
- Will Salesforce issue a clarification or walk back Benioff’s comments?
- How will employees, many of whom are based in liberal cities, react?
- Could this mark a new playbook for tech leaders seeking favor under a second Trump administration?
For now, Benioff’s pivot is the clearest sign yet that Silicon Valley’s political center of gravity may be shifting — and not everyone is ready for the ride.
