Salesforce CEO Sparks Outrage by Calling for Military Troops in San Francisco
In a shocking statement just days before Salesforce’s major Dreamforce event, CEO Marc Benioff stunned everyone by suggesting President Trump should deploy National Guard troops to San Francisco to “fix” the city’s safety issues.
The comment blew up on social media and triggered a fierce backlash from city residents, activists, and politicians who slammed the idea as extreme and unnecessary.
Backtracking Hard: Benioff Issues Sudden Public Apology
Under intense pressure, Benioff quickly reversed course and apologized Friday, admitting he was wrong to call for military intervention.
“Having listened closely to my fellow San Franciscans… I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco,” he said.
His apology came just in time to calm nerves ahead of Dreamforce — but the controversy had already ignited a firestorm.
The Bigger Picture: Military Troops in US Cities Fuel Political Drama
Benioff’s comments came amid a heated political battle as the Trump administration tries to send National Guard troops into cities led by Democrats — including Chicago and others.
On the same day as Benioff’s apology, Trump asked the Supreme Court to overturn court rulings blocking troop deployments in Chicago, escalating tensions nationwide.
San Francisco Reacts: From Shock to Relief — But Questions Remain
Many San Franciscans were horrified at the thought of troops patrolling their streets. Benioff’s apology eased some concerns but raised bigger questions about how far business leaders should weigh in on divisive political issues.
What This Means for Salesforce’s Reputation Going Forward
Benioff is known for being outspoken, but this incident shows just how risky it can be when CEOs wade into politically charged topics — especially ones involving military force and public safety.
The Bottom Line: One CEO’s Words Spark a National Firestorm
Marc Benioff’s dramatic about-face is a powerful reminder that in today’s polarized world, words from corporate leaders can cause instant controversy — and require quick damage control.
I am Aparna Sahu
Investment Specialist and Financial Writer
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