Salesforce CEO faces pushback over support for potential National Guard deployment in San Francisco

Core Viewpoint - Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff is facing backlash in Silicon Valley for his support of National Guard deployment in San Francisco, with notable figures like Ron Conway resigning from the Salesforce Foundation board and Lorine Powell Jobs criticizing Benioff's stance in an op-ed [1][4]. Group 1: Safety and Community Support - Benioff emphasizes the importance of safety for all individuals in San Francisco, stating that hundreds of additional police have been brought in to ensure this [2]. - He has consistently advocated for safety in the city and has been recognized as one of the largest philanthropists and job creators in San Francisco, contributing to affordable housing initiatives [4][5]. - The political climate has made discussions around safety increasingly divisive, with opposition to National Guard deployment in blue states being notable [5][8]. Group 2: Public Perception and Criticism - Benioff's comments have sparked controversy, with some perceiving his support for safety measures as a shift towards a more conservative stance [3][7]. - Despite his philanthropic efforts, he faces criticism from within his own foundation, highlighting the challenges of navigating public opinion in a politically charged environment [8]. - The perception of Benioff's alignment with political figures, including past collaborations with the Trump administration, has led to mixed reactions regarding his advocacy for safety [7].