In a surprising turn of events, Salesforce founder Marc Benioff has made waves with controversial political statements that seem to dramatically diverge from his previously liberal-leaning public persona. During a recent New York Times interview, Benioff expressed support for President Trump and suggested deploying National Guard troops to patrol San Francisco streets.

Benioff, long known for his philanthropic efforts in supporting local schools and homeless services, appeared to shock even his own communications team with his unexpected political stance. The tech executive, who has historically hosted fundraisers for Democratic candidates like Hillary Clinton, now seems to be aligning more closely with conservative political perspectives.

During the 50-minute conversation, Benioff spoke enthusiastically about his interactions with Trump, mentioning a state dinner at Windsor Castle where he reportedly expressed gratitude for the president’s actions. He also praised Elon Musk’s government efficiency efforts and appeared less engaged with discussions about immigration raids and media criticism.

The interview took an intriguing turn when Benioff seemingly recognized his PR executive’s stunned expression, asking about the “political questions” and whether they were “too spicy”. This moment highlighted the potential tension between his new political positioning and his company’s established brand.

Benioff’s political transformation reflects a broader trend in Silicon Valley, where some tech leaders are increasingly accommodating more conservative viewpoints. The incident raises questions about the potential political realignment among tech executives and the implications for their public image and corporate culture.

As San Francisco continues to navigate complex social and political landscapes, Benioff’s statements have sparked significant discussion about the role of tech leadership in shaping urban policy and political discourse. The tech community and local residents alike are now watching closely to see how this potential shift might influence future political and social dynamics in the Bay Area.