Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, has recently expressed support for President Trump’s proposal to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco to combat crime. This marks a significant change from his previous criticism of Trump and has led to backlash from some of his liberal associates.
1. Support for Trump: Benioff stated in a New York Times interview that he supports Trump's call to send National Guard troops to San Francisco, indicating a shift in his political stance. He also claimed that Trump is "doing a great job" as president.
2. Left-Wing Backlash: This endorsement of Trump has angered many of Benioff's liberal friends. Ron Conway, a fellow investor and longtime Democratic donor, resigned from the Salesforce Foundation Board due to what he described as a "dramatic ideological rift" with Benioff. Conway criticized Benioff's comments about federal troops, calling them an "unwanted invasion" and expressing disappointment in the CEO's understanding of their implications.
3. Conway's Resignation Email: In a resignation email to Benioff, Conway stated that he barely recognizes Benioff anymore due to his recent comments and detachment from issues surrounding immigration and freedom of speech.
4. Salesforce’s Political Contributions: Despite Benioff’s recent comments, Salesforce has been known to make significant political donations to causes aligned with Democratic interests. The Salesforce Foundation reportedly contributed $27.4 million to various entities through the Tides Foundation from 2022 to 2024, supporting a range of causes.
5. Public Perception of Two Billionaires: The situation highlights the irony of wealthy individuals arguing about safety in their communities while having vastly different political views and agendas.
Benioff's shift in support for Trump has led to a significant reaction from his liberal peers, particularly in the Silicon Valley community. Ron Conway's resignation emphasizes the growing divide among Democrats regarding support for Trump’s policies. As the dynamics between tech leaders and politics evolve, the tension surrounding differing ideologies continues to impact personal and professional relationships.
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