Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Backs Trump, Welcomes National Guard in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, California — Salesforce founder Marc Benioff has intensified his support for President Trump, declaring his endorsement for the deployment of National Guard troops in San Francisco. Benioff made these comments during an interview on October 10, 2025, just days before the annual Dreamforce conference, set to take place in the city.

In the interview, Benioff stated that San Francisco could benefit from having a thousand more police officers, emphasizing, “If they can be cops, I’m all for it.” His stance marks a significant shift from his previous alignment with progressive causes, as he has historically supported candidates like Hillary Clinton and initiatives focused on homelessness.

The political pivot has sparked controversy among local officials. State Senator Scott Weiner criticized Benioff’s position on social media, saying, “Inviting Trump to send the National Guard here is not one of those good things. Quite the opposite. We neither need nor want an illegal military occupation in San Francisco.”

Benioff’s comments come amidst growing concerns over crime in the city, which he has openly expressed frustration about. In previous discussions, he even suggested relocating the Dreamforce conference if conditions did not improve.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins also condemned the idea of military presence in the city, equating it to “government-sponsored violence against U.S. citizens, families, and ethnic groups.” Meanwhile, political groups like Neighbors for a Better San Francisco are mobilizing against the potential arrival of National Guard troops, planning advertisements to dissuade Trump from sending them.

Jay Cheng, director of the political organization, stated their campaign will target locations like Washington, D.C., and Mar-a-Lago, proclaiming, “Dear Mr. Trump: No thanks, we’re good.” Cheng noted that the group aims to showcase San Francisco’s efforts to address crime and improve governance.

Benioff’s recent remarks contradict the philanthropic image he has cultivated, with a notable recent donation of $100 million to children’s hospitals in San Francisco. During the interview, he inadvertently veered into political topics, which caught the attention of his public relations team, leading to a sudden end to the conversation.

This political transition raises questions about whether other Bay Area tech leaders will align with Benioff’s newfound stance as Silicon Valley continues to navigate its relationship with political power.