San Francisco Mayor Rejects National Guard Proposal
Mayor Daniel Lurie of San Francisco has turned down President Donald Trump’s suggestion to involve the National Guard in combating crime, emphasizing the city’s ongoing recovery driven by a surge in artificial intelligence (AI).
Elected last year after a reformist initiative ousted the previous mayor, Lurie conveyed his views on Trump’s proposal without directly criticizing the president. In a statement, he pointed out that local police already collaborate with state and federal law enforcement agencies to tackle outdoor drug markets effectively.
“Our local law enforcement already has a long-standing partnership…to shut down outdoor drug markets through the Drug Markets Authority Coordination Center. We welcome increased collaboration with the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Attorneys to carry out targeted operations, arrest drug dealers, and disrupt drug markets and transnational cartels. I trust our police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and district attorney to work together to keep our city safe. With the right coordinated support from state and federal partners, they will have the tools to advance this important work,” the mayor said.
Furthermore, he expressed deep appreciation for military personnel but dismissed the idea of sending the National Guard to San Francisco, stating, “They do not have the authority to arrest drug traffickers. Sending them to San Francisco will do nothing to remove fentanyl from our city or make it safer.”
According to a report, San Francisco is beginning to emerge from a cycle of crime and economic decline. The crime rates are now the lowest they’ve been in decades, with significant reductions in robbery incidents, which have dropped by 28% this year. While issues such as homeless encampments and certain obstructive retail practices have lessened, pedestrian and transit use has seen an uptick.
Rents have risen by 12% citywide over the past year, marking the 13th month of continuous increases. The hotel sector is also starting to show signs of recovery.
The ongoing AI boom is prompting many companies to expand their real estate investments, as institutional buyers are purchasing buildings at reduced rates, anticipating a rebound in office space demand. Stricter return-to-work policies have contributed to increased foot traffic in business areas.
Lurie, who comes from a wealthy family, transitioned into politics after a background in philanthropy, though he’s relatively new to public leadership. Interestingly, the resurgence of the city may not solely be credited to his efforts but rather to the rising AI sector attracting numerous tech workers who had previously left during the pandemic amid strict restrictions and high living costs.
The momentum started under former Mayor Breed, who had hoped in 2023 that this resurgence would rejuvenate the city, though it proved too late for her political survival amidst a hefty budget deficit.
Despite these improvements, challenges such as homelessness, crime, and drug abuse remain persistent issues. Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce and a prominent Democratic supporter, initially backed Trump’s National Guard proposal but withdrew his support after facing backlash from his party.
Benioff’s early endorsement may have suggested to some in the Trump administration that San Franciscans sought external intervention, despite Lurie’s disapproval.
Although the city has declined to deploy the National Guard, it has accepted assistance from the California Highway Patrol in response to widespread retail looting problems.
