### Tech Titans Clash Over Crime: Musk and Benioff's Diverging Views on Federal Troops in San Francisco As the tech industry gears up for the annual Dreamforce conference in San Francisco, a heated debate has emerged regarding crime and public safety in the city. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has recently called for the deployment of National Guard troops to address rising crime rates, a significant shift from his previous political stance. This call has drawn both support and backlash, particularly from local leaders and community members who question the implications of such a move. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has echoed similar sentiments, advocating for federal troops to restore order, further complicating the narrative surrounding crime in urban areas. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Benioff's Shift in Stance** - Marc Benioff has publicly advocated for the National Guard's deployment in San Francisco, citing inadequate policing as a primary concern [https://observenow.com/2025/10/salesforce-ceo-marc-benioff-advocates-national-guard-deployment-to-san-francisco]. - His comments represent a notable political pivot, aligning him with more conservative views on public safety [https://fortune.com/2025/10/11/tech-ceo-marc-benioff-trump-national-guard-troops-san-francisco]. 2. **Musk's Support for Federal Troops** - Elon Musk has also called for federal troops to be sent to San Francisco, reinforcing the narrative of a growing crisis in urban safety [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/13/musk-calls-for-federal-troops-in-san-francisco-benioff-softens-stance.html]. - His stance reflects a broader concern among tech leaders regarding crime and its impact on business operations in the city [https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/salesforce-ceo-calls-on-trump-to-deploy-national-guard-troops-in-san-francisco-article-13610198.html]. 3. **Backlash from Local Leaders** - Benioff's comments have sparked significant backlash from city officials, including San Francisco's District Attorney, who criticized the suggestion as an overreach and a misrepresentation of the city's efforts to combat crime [https://abc7news.com/post/san-francisco-da-fires-back-salesforce-ceo-suggests-trump-send-national-guard-city/17983083]. - Critics argue that such calls for military intervention undermine local governance and community trust [https://www.ktvu.com/news/benioff-faces-backlash-after-suggesting-national-guard-deployment-sf]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Crime Statistics**: Recent reports indicate a rise in certain crime rates in San Francisco, contributing to the urgency of the discussion around public safety [https://www.ktvu.com/news/benioff-faces-backlash-after-suggesting-national-guard-deployment-sf]. - **Public Sentiment**: Surveys show a divided public opinion on the effectiveness of deploying military forces in urban areas, with many residents expressing concern over potential militarization of local law enforcement [https://www.hechoencalifornia1010.com/tech-billionaire-marc-benioff-says-trump-should-deploy-national-guard-to-san-francisco]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Landscape of Public Safety and Leadership In summary, the recent calls by Marc Benioff and Elon Musk for federal or National Guard troops in San Francisco highlight a significant shift in the dialogue surrounding urban crime and safety. 1. **Benioff's Advocacy**: His support for military intervention marks a departure from his previous political positions, reflecting growing frustration among business leaders regarding crime management in the city [https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/salesforce-ceo-calls-on-trump-to-deploy-national-guard-troops-in-san-francisco-article-13610198.html]. 2. **Musk's Alignment**: Musk's similar calls reinforce a narrative of urgency and concern among tech executives about the implications of crime on their businesses [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/13/musk-calls-for-federal-troops-in-san-francisco-benioff-softens-stance.html]. 3. **Local Backlash**: The pushback from city leaders underscores the complexities of addressing crime through military means, raising questions about governance and community trust [https://abc7news.com/post/san-francisco-da-fires-back-salesforce-ceo-suggests-trump-send-national-guard-city/17983083]. This evolving situation reflects broader tensions between business interests and community governance, as San Francisco navigates its identity amidst rising crime concerns.