Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff raised eyebrows when he lauded former President Donald Trump. This out-of-the-blue praise came at a recent state dinner in Windsor Castle. The 50-minute conversation, which included remarks about Trump’s governmental approaches, marks a notable shift for Benioff, who has been recognized as a liberal-leaning figure in San Francisco‘s tech community.
Benioff expressed his gratitude to Trump, stating, “how grateful I am for everything he’s doing.” This statement has turned heads, especially in light of Benioff’s world class philanthropic efforts, not the least of which have included political support for people like Hillary Clinton. Notably, he has funded homeless services in San Francisco and donated to the city’s public schools, reinforcing his longstanding commitment to progressive causes.
During the dinner, Benioff praised Elon Musk’s work to make government more efficient. He goes on to praise both Trump and Musk. This is just the latest example of a perfectly contrarian development—Silicon Valley elites developing an affinity for conservative thought. This latest turn is being hailed as a sign of a larger tech industry recalibration away from a traditionally leftward bent.
For example, perhaps most strikingly, Benioff confessed he hadn’t been following much in the way of news about Trump’s immigration raids or his anti-media jihad. This statement adds complexity to his relationship with the former president, suggesting a disconnect between his public persona and the political landscape.
At that point in their reported exchange, the conversation froze when Benioff turned to look at his public relations head. Instead, he saw worry carved across their features. Perhaps no moment better captures the tension between his political evolution and the demands of his corporate brand.
