Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has publicly expressed regret over his earlier call for the deployment of the National Guard to San Francisco, retracting the suggestion amid widespread criticism from city leaders, philanthropists, and his own employees. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the tech billionaire acknowledged that after listening closely to San Francisco residents and officials, and following the conclusion of the largest and safest Dreamforce conference in the city’s history, he no longer believes the National Guard is necessary to address local safety concerns. He said his initial remarks stemmed from an "abundance of caution" around the event and issued a sincere apology for the concern his comments caused[1][3][7].
The controversy began earlier in October when Benioff told t...
The controversy began earlier in October when Benioff told the New York Times that President Donald Trump should send the National Guard to San Francisco to help combat crime, a move that is legally and politically fraught. Benioff cited the need to "refund" the police and noted that he pays for hundreds of off-duty officers to patrol around Salesforce events, indicating a perceived shortfall in local law enforcement capacity. However, sending federal troops or National Guard forces to act as police on city streets is prohibited under the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in civilian law enforcement[5][8].
Benioff's comments sparked a sharp backlash. Prominent figur...
Benioff's comments sparked a sharp backlash. Prominent figures such as Laurene Powell Jobs criticized him for what she described as moral posturing and a disconnect from the realities faced by the city's immigrant families, especially amid ongoing ICE immigration raids. Ron Conway, a well-known Silicon Valley investor and a former Salesforce Foundation board member, resigned in protest, condemning Benioff's "willful ignorance" regarding the impact of immigration enforcement on families without criminal records. San Francisco city leaders also rejected Benioff's suggestion, emphasizing that the National Guard is neither a practical nor acceptable solution to local safety issues[1][6].
The timing of the controversy added to its impact, as Beniof...
The timing of the controversy added to its impact, as Benioff’s Dreamforce conference, which draws around 50,000 attendees and significantly boosts the city’s economy, was underway. The CEO’s remarks overshadowed the event, leading to heightened scrutiny and a political firestorm that even led to the cancellation of a scheduled press conference, officially attributed to weather but widely believed to be influenced by the backlash[2].
Following the criticism, Benioff’s reversal and apology were...
Following the criticism, Benioff’s reversal and apology were seen as an effort to repair his standing with the community and his company’s employees, some of whom expressed that the initial comments betrayed Salesforce’s values. His apology underscored a willingness to listen and adapt his position in response to the concerns of local stakeholders[3][7].
In summary, Marc Benioff’s call for the National Guard to be...
In summary, Marc Benioff’s call for the National Guard to be sent to San Francisco ignited a significant public and political backlash, leading to his formal retraction and apology. The episode highlighted tensions between public safety, immigration issues, and the role of private sector leaders in civic affairs.
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 4:11:04 PM
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff on Friday, October 17, publicly apologized for urging President Trump to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco, clarifying, “I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco. My earlier comment came from an abundance of caution around the event, and I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused”[1]. The apology, posted on social media, followed Benioff’s initial remarks to The New York Times after what he called the “largest and most successful Dreamforce in company history,” emphasizing his belief that “our city makes the most progress when we are all working together in a spirit of partnership”[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 4:21:02 PM
Breaking News Update | October 18, 2025
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff issued an apology on X late Friday, October 17, after his comments supporting the deployment of National Guard troops to San Francisco—made in a New York Times interview published October 10—drew sharp rebukes from city officials and prompted the resignation of Salesforce Foundation director Ron Conway “after nearly a decade” on the board[3]. In his statement, Benioff wrote: “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... My earlier comment came from an abundance of caution aroun
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 4:31:00 PM
**Breaking News Update**: In response to Marc Benioff's regrets over calling for the National Guard in San Francisco, international observers are scrutinizing the implications of U.S. tech leaders influencing domestic security decisions. The controversy has sparked discussions globally about the role of business leaders in shaping public safety policies, with some international organizations expressing concern over the potential for similar actions in other countries. For instance, the European Union's Digital Commissioner has noted that such actions could set a precedent for tech companies to influence public policy, potentially affecting global governance structures.
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 4:41:00 PM
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff apologized on Friday for his earlier call to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco, stating his comment was made "from an abundance of caution" around the recent Dreamforce event, which he described as the largest and most successful in company history. He emphasized, "I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco" and expressed regret for any concern his initial statement caused. Benioff highlighted the importance of partnership and collaboration for the city's progress[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 4:51:02 PM
Marc Benioff apologized for his earlier suggestion to deploy the National Guard in San Francisco, stating on X that after the largest and safest Dreamforce conference in the company's history, he does not believe such military involvement is necessary to address safety in the city[1][2][4]. His initial remarks, including support for President Trump’s federal troop deployments in Democrat-led cities and the assertion, “We don’t have enough cops, so if they can be cops, I’m all for it,” sparked swift backlash from prominent figures like venture capitalist Ron Conway, who resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board citing “willful ignorance”[1][2][4]. Technically, Benioff’s reversal reflects responsiveness to both the event’s demonstrated safety
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 5:01:04 PM
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff formally apologized and reversed his call to send the National Guard to San Francisco, stating he no longer believes their deployment is needed for city safety. He emphasized collaboration with local officials, saying, "Having listened closely to my fellow San Franciscans and our local officials... I do not believe the National Guard is needed" and reaffirmed commitment to a safer city following the largest Dreamforce event with over 50,000 attendees[3][5][7]. San Francisco leaders, including Mayor Daniel Lurie and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, rejected Benioff’s initial suggestion, with Lurie highlighting a 30% drop in crime and trust in local law enforcement to maintain safety without federal troops[2][
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 5:11:00 PM
In response to Marc Benioff's retraction of his comments on deploying the National Guard in San Francisco, local government officials have reiterated their confidence in the city's law enforcement. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie stated, "San Francisco is on the rise," and noted that crime is down by 30%, emphasizing trust in local authorities to maintain safety[6]. The city's District Attorney, Brooke Jenkins, also weighed in, reflecting a broader consensus that the National Guard is not needed for safety in San Francisco[6].
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 5:21:02 PM
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s call to deploy the National Guard in San Francisco sparked significant fallout, including well-known venture capitalist Ron Conway leaving the Salesforce Foundation board and public criticism from investors like Laurene Powell Jobs, signaling cracks in Benioff's alliances within the competitive tech landscape[1][2]. This controversy underscores shifting dynamics as tech leaders' political stances increasingly impact their influence and partnerships, with Salesforce concurrently committing $1 million to local police recruitment to address safety concerns more diplomatically[4]. Benioff’s subsequent apology and retraction highlight a strategic effort to stabilize Salesforce’s standing amid intensifying scrutiny and competitive pressure in the industry[2].
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 5:31:03 PM
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has publicly apologized for his call—reportedly in a New York Times interview just days before Dreamforce 2025—to deploy National Guard troops in San Francisco, now stating, “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… I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused”[1][6]. The episode triggered swift backlash from city leaders, including longtime Salesforce ally and venture capitalist Ron Conway, who resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board, reportedly writing to Benioff, “I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired”[1]
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 5:41:00 PM
In a significant development, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has expressed regret over his earlier suggestion to deploy the National Guard in San Francisco, stating, "My earlier comment came from an abundance of caution around the event, and I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused"[3][4]. Industry experts view this as a strategic move to mitigate backlash from local leaders and Salesforce employees, who criticized the comment as contradicting the company's values[4]. Benioff's apology comes after a successful Dreamforce event, which drew over 50,000 attendees and reinforced the importance of collaboration between city and state authorities for enhanced safety[3][9].
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 5:51:05 PM
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff faced significant backlash from the public and local leaders after his call for the National Guard to be sent to San Francisco, with critics including venture capitalist Ron Conway and philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs condemning his remarks as out of touch and harmful. The negative reaction included Conway resigning from the Salesforce Foundation board, and widespread criticism from rank-and-file employees and city officials, prompting Benioff to issue a full apology, stating he no longer believes the National Guard is needed following the largest and safest Dreamforce conference with over 50,000 attendees[1][3][4][6]. Benioff acknowledged the concerns his comments caused, emphasizing a commitment to partnership and a safer city without military involvement[6].
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 6:01:07 PM
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff apologized for his earlier call to deploy the National Guard in San Francisco, stating after the largest and safest Dreamforce event in company history that "I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco" and attributed his initial remark to "an abundance of caution"[1][2][4]. Industry experts and insiders reacted strongly to Benioff’s original comments; prominent venture capitalist Ron Conway resigned from the Salesforce Foundation board, telling Benioff, "I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired"[4]. Analysts observe that Benioff’s shift reflects tensions within the tech sector as some executives adopt more conservative views on public safety, contrasting with local data showing a crime decrease an
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 6:11:08 PM
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff apologized on Friday for his earlier call urging President Trump to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco for public safety during Dreamforce. He stated, "I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco. My earlier comment came from an abundance of caution around the event, and I sincerely apologize for the concern it caused." Benioff emphasized the importance of working together in partnership for the city's progress following what he called the largest and most successful Dreamforce in company history[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 6:21:06 PM
Marc Benioff's apology for suggesting the National Guard be deployed in San Francisco has sparked a wave of reactions from industry experts and local officials. "I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco," Benioff stated, following the successful and safe Dreamforce conference that drew tens of thousands to the city[2][4]. The controversy led to prominent venture capitalist Ron Conway quitting the Salesforce Foundation board, signaling a deep rift within Benioff's circle over his pro-Trump stance[3][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/18/2025, 6:31:06 PM
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff apologized for his earlier call to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco, stating on X that after listening to local officials and experiencing the largest, safest Dreamforce event, he no longer believes such a measure is necessary[1][2][3]. The international tech and philanthropic communities have taken note, with significant fallout including the resignation of Silicon Valley investor Ron Conway from the Salesforce Foundation board, citing shock and disappointment[2]. Benioff's reversal amid global scrutiny highlights tensions between corporate leadership decisions and community responses in major tech hubs worldwide.