Salesforce CEO apologises for saying Trump should send troops to San Francisco
The saga comes amid the Trump administration's military deployments to US cities - many of which are led by Democrats. Trump on Friday asked the Supreme Court to overrule lower courts that blocked a National Guard deployment in Chicago.
"Having listened closely to my fellow San Franciscans... I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco," he said.
The apology followed days of backlash against Mr Benioff for a comment he made ahead of his company's annual Dreamforce conference in the city.
Salesforce boss Marc Benioff apologised Friday for suggesting that US President Donald Trump should send National Guard troops to San Francisco.
The mood at the usually jubilant Dreamforce convention was dampened by cancelled appearances by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, as well as comedians Kumail Nanjiani and Ilana Glazer.
Mr Benioff was dealt public rebukes from several Democratic politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who once served as mayor of San Francisco and appeared on stage with Mr Benioff at last year's convention.
On Thursday, venture capitalist Ron Conway resigned from the board of the Salesforce Foundation, telling the New York Times that their values "were no longer aligned".
"I now barely recognize the person I have so long admired," Conway told the newspaper.
Although Mr Benioff walked back his comments earlier in the week, the apology posted on social media on Friday appeared aimed at putting the controversy to rest.
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