Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Apologizes for National Guard Comments Amid Ron Conway's Resignation

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has retracted his previous support for deploying the National Guard to San Francisco, issuing an apology after significant backlash. In a post on the social media platform X, 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."

This apology follows the resignation of venture capitalist Ron Conway from the board of the Salesforce Foundation. Conway, a longtime friend and supporter of Benioff, expressed his dismay in an email, stating, "It saddens me immensely to say that with your recent comments, and failure to understand their impact, I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired." He further criticized Benioff's call for federal intervention, describing it as an "unwanted invasion of San Francisco by federal troops."

Benioff's initial comments, made during an interview with The New York Times, included support for President Donald Trump and a proposal to deploy the National Guard to address crime and homelessness in San Francisco. These remarks drew criticism from city officials, who noted that crime rates have decreased by nearly 30% over the past year. Mayor Daniel Lurie responded, "I trust our local law enforcement. We are going to be relentless on keeping San Franciscans safe, keeping our tourists safe, and keeping those who come for conventions safe."

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins also opposed the idea of federal troop deployment, stating that such actions in other cities have led to increased chaos and fear. "Tear gas is being deployed, assaults are happening. We just cannot afford to have what is happening [in Chicago] go on here," Jenkins said. "It is not promoting law and order. It is NOT promoting safety. It is promoting chaos, terror and fear."

Attorney General Rob Bonta indicated he would challenge any National Guard deployment to San Francisco in court, referencing a recent ruling that deemed a similar deployment to Los Angeles unlawful.

In his apology, Benioff acknowledged the concerns raised by the community and emphasized the importance of collaboration. "My earlier comment came from an abundance of caution around the event, and I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused," he said. "It's my firm belief that our city makes the most progress when we all work together in a spirit of partnership."

Despite the apology, Benioff did not retract his support for President Trump.