Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff apologized on October 17, 2025, for his earlier remarks suggesting that President Donald Trump should deploy the National Guard to San Francisco. Benioff’s comment, made ahead of the annual Dreamforce conference expected to draw over 50,000 attendees, sparked widespread backlash from San Francisco officials, tech peers, and employees.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Benioff stated, “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 expressed regret, saying, “My earlier comment came from an abundance of caution around the event, and I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused.” He highlighted his commitment to a “safer, stronger San Francisco” through partnership and collaboration with city leaders and police.
Benioff’s initial comments were made in an interview with The New York Times, where he argued that the city lacked enough police officers and expressed support for federal troops acting as law enforcement if necessary. This stance aligned Benioff with Trump during his second term, a move unusual for tech leaders in the liberal Bay Area and that stirred controversy.
The backlash was swift and sharp. Venture capitalist Ron Conway resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board, calling Benioff’s remarks shocking and expressing disappointment over his detachment from local community impacts. Philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs criticized Benioff for using philanthropy to gain influence rather than genuine goodwill. Many Salesforce employees also voiced disapproval, seeing the comments as a betrayal of company values.
Benioff’s apology followed the successful and reportedly safe Dreamforce event, which he said justified his reassessment. The episode exposed the tensions within the tech community over local politics and law enforcement amid ongoing urban challenges.
Experts note this incident reflects the challenging balance CEOs face when engaging in politically charged issues, especially in cities with polarized views on law enforcement and federal intervention. Observers emphasize the importance of corporate leaders aligning closely with community sentiments to maintain trust and social license.
In summary, Marc Benioff’s apology signals an attempt to repair relations with his city and critics after controversial remarks on sending federal troops to San Francisco. The episode underscores the complexities tech leaders face amid political divisions and urban safety debates. Moving forward, Salesforce looks to strengthen its city partnerships while navigating a politically sensitive environment.
