Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Apologizes: National Guard Proposal Withdrawn

URGENT UPDATE: Salesforce Inc. (NYSE: CRM) CEO Marc Benioff has publicly retracted his support for President Donald Trump‘s proposal to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco, issuing a sincere apology earlier today. This dramatic shift follows intense backlash and discussions with local officials and residents.

In a statement posted on X, Benioff emphasized that his earlier remarks were made out of an “abundance of caution” but confirmed the National Guard is not necessary. “Having listened closely to my fellow San Franciscans and our local officials—and after the largest and safest Dreamforce in our history—I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco,” he stated. His comments drew significant criticism, leading to immediate consequences.

The controversy began with comments made during an October 10, 2023 interview with the New York Times, where Benioff highlighted the city’s police shortage, stating that Salesforce had to hire 200 additional officers for security at its downtown event. This admission sparked outrage across Silicon Valley, with prominent figures voicing their discontent.

Notably, angel investor Ron Conway resigned from the board of the Salesforce Foundation in direct response to Benioff’s earlier stance. Additionally, Laurene Powell Jobs criticized him in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, accusing him of leveraging his wealth for political influence.

The push for military intervention by Trump has faced legal challenges, particularly in cities like Chicago and Portland. His earlier proposals to send troops to San Francisco were rooted in criticisms of Democratic leadership regarding the city’s crime rates, amidst a shortage of around 1,000 police officers in the area.

Benioff’s apology is a significant move, reflecting a broader concern about public safety and the role of private corporations in political discourse. His words resonate amid ongoing discussions about community safety and the appropriate responses to crime in urban settings.

This developing story highlights the growing tension between corporate leaders and political actions, particularly in a city like San Francisco, known for its progressive values. As the situation unfolds, many are left to ponder the implications of such corporate involvement in public safety discussions.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to evolve.