In a significant shift of position, prominent technology executive Marc Benioff has publicly endorsed President Donald Trump’s law enforcement initiatives, specifically calling for National Guard deployment in San Francisco. The Salesforce CEO, whose company maintains its headquarters in the troubled California city, expressed strong support for enhanced security measures during a recent interview.
“We don’t have enough police officers, and if the National Guard can fulfill that role, I fully support it,” Benioff stated, marking a notable departure from his previous political stances. The tech leader’s endorsement comes as his company prepares for its annual Dreamforce conference in San Francisco, where security concerns have become increasingly pressing.
Benioff revealed that his organization currently funds private security through off-duty police officers to protect conference attendees, a measure he suggests should not be necessary. “In the past, police presence was visible on every corner. That’s the San Francisco we need to restore,” he explained.
The executive’s alignment with Trump’s law enforcement policies represents a significant transformation for a business leader who has historically supported progressive causes. Under Benioff’s leadership, Salesforce has directed substantial resources toward various left-leaning initiatives, including more than $23 million in donations to the Tides Foundation between 2022 and 2024.
Salesforce’s corporate activism has included the creation of the “Pledge 1%” program, encouraging businesses to commit resources to charitable causes, and contributions exceeding $1.5 million to various advocacy organizations. The company has also been vocal in supporting transgender rights and related social justice initiatives.
Despite this background, Benioff has recently cultivated closer ties with the Trump administration. Last month, he was seated near the President during a state dinner hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle, suggesting an evolving relationship between the tech executive and the administration.
The endorsement comes amid ongoing challenges in San Francisco, where residents and businesses increasingly voice concerns about public safety and quality of life issues. The city’s struggles with crime and homelessness have prompted calls for more aggressive law enforcement measures from various community leaders.
Benioff’s public support for National Guard deployment reflects growing frustration among San Francisco’s business community with current security conditions. His stance may signal a broader shift in how technology industry leaders approach urban safety challenges in their operating environments.
The President’s National Guard initiative has faced legal challenges in other cities, including Portland and Chicago, where constitutional questions have been raised about federal authority in local law enforcement matters. However, Benioff’s backing could provide important private sector support for the administration’s security proposals in major urban centers.
