Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, a longtime Democratic donor and one of San Francisco’s most prominent business leaders, sparked outrage among Democrats on Friday after publicly praising President Donald Trump and endorsing his proposal to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco.

Benioff’s comments were made during an interview with The New York Times, in which he discussed the city’s ongoing problems with crime, homelessness, and public disorder.

Checkmate. pic.twitter.com/GEQKKIWLxl

— David Sacks (@DavidSacks) October 10, 2025

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His remarks marked a sharp departure from his longstanding support for Democratic politicians and causes.

According to The New York Times, President Trump, during an Oval Office meeting in August, mentioned he was considering sending federal troops into San Francisco, citing the city’s deteriorating conditions.

The report stated that the president had said Democrats had “destroyed” San Francisco and vowed that he would “clean that one up, too.”

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Benioff told the publication that he supported the president’s idea and believed National Guard soldiers could help stabilize the situation.

“I fully support the president,” Benioff said.

“I think he’s doing a great job.”

The statement quickly drew backlash from prominent Democrats and local officials.

Many have long opposed the use of the National Guard in urban areas, particularly in cities that have experienced unrest related to immigration enforcement or protests against federal agencies.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Matt Dorsey, who represents portions of the city’s downtown, called Benioff’s endorsement of Trump’s proposal “a slap in the face to San Francisco.”

In a post on X, Dorsey wrote that the city did not need federal intervention and criticized Benioff for supporting what he described as an unnecessary show of force.

State Senator Scott Wiener also condemned the idea, saying in a statement that National Guard involvement would amount to an “illegal military occupation.”

Wiener wrote, “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.”

Despite the criticism, Benioff’s comments reflect growing frustration among business and civic leaders over the city’s ongoing public safety and homelessness issues.

San Francisco has struggled for years with open-air drug markets, rising theft, and widespread encampments, even after repeated promises by state and local leaders to address the problems.

Benioff, whose company is headquartered in downtown San Francisco, has been one of the city’s most vocal advocates for reform.

He has funded housing initiatives, supported local nonprofits, and regularly spoken out about improving public safety and civic engagement.

However, his endorsement of President Trump’s approach marks a significant shift from his usual alignment with Democratic policy positions.

White House cryptocurrency adviser David Sacks highlighted the moment on X, describing Benioff’s remarks as a turning point for San Francisco’s political and business community.

gg good game liberals, nice playing with you

cc: @Jason

— David Sacks (@DavidSacks) October 10, 2025

Sacks, who has previously criticized city leadership for its handling of crime and homelessness, celebrated the Salesforce CEO’s comments as evidence that even longtime Democratic donors were losing faith in local governance.

San Francisco’s challenges have become a national issue in recent years, with many major retailers closing stores in the city and residents voicing concerns about deteriorating safety and cleanliness.

Benioff’s support for the president’s plan places him among a growing number of tech executives and investors who have shifted their political views amid frustration with progressive leadership in California.

While other technology figures have become more outspoken about supporting President Trump’s policies, Benioff’s endorsement stands out given his history of donating millions to Democratic campaigns and liberal causes.

As of Friday evening, Benioff had not issued any clarification or retraction of his remarks.

The White House and San Francisco officials have not commented on whether discussions about a potential National Guard deployment are ongoing.

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