"Benioff Backtracks: Salesforce CEO Reverses National Guard Call in San Francisco"

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Reverses Course on National Guard Deployment in San Francisco In a sudden about-face, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has apologized for calling for the deployment of National Guard troops to patrol San Francisco, citing an "abundance of caution" over public safety costs at a recent conference. The reversal comes after widespread criticism from allies and Democratic politicians following his initial comments, which were seen as out of character for the typically liberal-leaning billionaire. According to Benioff's statement on social media platform X, he no longer believes the National Guard is needed in San Francisco. "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," Benioff said. Benioff's initial comments sparked controversy last week when he gave an interview with The New York Times in which he declared his support for President Donald Trump's threats to deploy National Guard troops in San Francisco and other cities led by Democratic politicians. While Benioff's comments were widely criticized, the Salesforce CEO maintained that they came from a place of concern over public safety costs at Dreamforce, the company's annual conference. According to TechCrunch, Benioff's reversal on the National Guard deployment was met with relief from local officials and residents who had expressed concerns about the potential militarization of the city. "I'm glad Marc has listened to the community and reversed his position," said San Francisco Mayor London Breed in a statement. "We don't need the National Guard patrolling our streets, and I appreciate Marc's apology for any concern he may have caused." The controversy surrounding Benioff's comments highlights the complexities of navigating politics as a business leader. While Benioff has long been known for his philanthropic efforts and progressive views, his support for Trump's National Guard deployment was seen as a departure from his typical stance. Benioff's apology and reversal on the National Guard deployment come at a time when cities across the country are grappling with issues of public safety and policing. As one expert noted, "The use of National Guard troops in urban areas is often a last resort and can be counterproductive to community trust-building efforts." In the wake of Benioff's apology, Salesforce has faced renewed scrutiny over its business practices and corporate social responsibility. While the company has made significant strides in recent years on issues such as diversity and inclusion, some critics have questioned whether Benioff's reversal on the National Guard deployment is enough to mitigate the damage caused by his initial comments. As for Benioff himself, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact his reputation and influence within the tech industry. For now, however, his apology and reversal on the National Guard deployment have been met with relief from many in San Francisco who had expressed concerns about the potential militarization of their city. This story was compiled from reports by TechCrunch and TechCrunch.