Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff apologized Friday for comments suggesting that President Trump should deploy the National Guard to San Francisco, saying he no longer believes it is 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,” Benioff wrote in a post on X.
Ahead of his software company’s annual Dreamforce conference, the billionaire told The New York Times that he supported the idea of sending Guard soldiers to help reduce crime in the city.
Benioff’s comments drew swift backlash, reportedly prompting prominent venture capitalist Ron Conway to step down from his role on the board of Salesforce’s philanthropic arm.
Conway said in an email to the Salesforce CEO that he was “shocked and disappointed” and “now barely recognize the person I have so long admired,” according to the Times.
“My earlier comment came from an abundance of caution around the event, and I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused,” Benioff said in Friday’s post.
“It’s my firm belief that our city makes the most progress when we all work together in a spirit of partnership,” he continued. “I remain deeply grateful to Mayor Lurie, SFPD, and all our partners, and am fully committed to a safer, stronger San Francisco.”
His comments appear to mark a significant political shift for the Salesforce CEO, who previously supported liberal causes and backed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race.
