Salesforce CEO Apologizes for National Guard Comments
Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, issued a public apology on Friday for suggesting that President Trump send the National Guard to San Francisco. He explained that his earlier remarks were made “out of an abundance of caution” and emphasized that he no longer believed federal intervention was necessary for public safety.
In his statement on X, he mentioned, “After listening to my fellow San Franciscans and local officials, I do not believe the National Guard is necessary to address security in San Francisco after the largest and most secure Dreamforce in history.”
He also expressed regret for causing any concern, stating, “My earlier comments were made out of an abundance of caution regarding this event.”
Benioff, a billionaire philanthropist and significant Democratic donor, added that working together is crucial for the city’s progress. He extended his gratitude to Mayor Daniel Lurie, the San Francisco Police Department, and city officials for their contributions to a successful Dreamforce event, which saw around 50,000 attendees this week.
His comments appear to be an effort to ease growing tensions. During a recent interview with the New York Times, he expressed support for President Trump’s proposal to deploy the National Guard to combat crime in the city. “We don’t have enough police officers, so if they can become police officers, I’m all for it,” he said.
However, these remarks drew sharp criticism from city leaders and allies in the tech and philanthropy sectors. Both Lurie and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins dismissed the necessity of the National Guard, pointing out that crime rates have reached their lowest point in 70 years. Jenkins remarked, “To see tear gas and everything that’s going on, we don’t want that kind of chaos here.”
The fallout from Benioff’s comments continued throughout the Dreamforce conference. Renowned venture capitalist Ron Conway, an early supporter of companies like Google and Airbnb, announced his resignation from the Salesforce Foundation’s board, describing a disconnect with Benioff in an email.
Additionally, comedians Kumail Nanjiani and Ilana Glazer, who were scheduled to perform at Dreamforce, withdrew from the event. While Salesforce attributed this to illness, both comedians have openly criticized Trump’s policies in the past.
Benioff later welcomed comedian David Spade to the event amidst the controversy, which has elicited considerable discussion within San Francisco’s business and philanthropic circles.
Laurene Powell Jobs, founder of Emerson Collective and widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, took issue with Benioff’s remarks, arguing in an essay for the Wall Street Journal that “giving control with the expectation is never generous.” She highlighted Benioff’s competitive nature regarding charitable giving, stating, “If there is someone who is doing more for the local community, I want that person’s name because I am very competitive.”
The undertone of Powell Jobs’ criticism was clear, suggesting that Benioff’s approach equates generosity with a transactional exchange.
The Post reached out to Benioff for further comment. Despite facing backlash, Salesforce announced plans this week to invest $15 billion over the next five years to enhance artificial intelligence initiatives in San Francisco.
Describing himself variably as an independent or moderate Republican, Benioff has long been a prominent figure in the city, known for supporting hospitals, schools, and homeless services. He reaffirmed his commitment to a “safer and stronger San Francisco” in a post on Friday.
