Trump Backs Down on San Francisco Federal Deployment After Huang, Benioff Intervention

President Trump reversed plans for a federal surge in San Francisco after conversations with tech leaders like Nvidia’s Huang and Salesforce’s Benioff, who expressed optimism about the city’s future. Trump cited Mayor Lurie’s progress on tackling crime. This reversal, a victory for San Francisco, followed initial support for federal intervention from some tech figures, later revised amid criticism. Recent data shows decreasing crime rates and a resurgence in economic activity, driven by AI innovation and venture capital investment. The interplay between politics, business, and technology shapes San Francisco’s revitalization.

Trump Backs Down on San Francisco Federal Deployment After Huang, Benioff Intervention

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he hosts a Rose Garden Club lunch at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 21, 2025.

Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would be halting plans for a federal “surge” in San Francisco, citing persuasive conversations with tech leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff. Initially, Trump expressed concerns about the city’s challenges, but appears to have been convinced by industry stakeholders and Mayor Daniel Lurie’s assurances of progress.

In a Truth Social post, Trump stated he spoke with Mayor Lurie, highlighting the mayor’s “substantial progress” on tackling crime. The President credited Huang, Benioff, and others for their optimistic outlook regarding San Francisco’s future.

“Great people like Jensen Huang, Marc Benioff, and others have called saying that the future of San Francisco is great,” Trump wrote.

This reversal represents a significant political victory for San Francisco and Mayor Lurie, who is currently serving his first term.

“The president told me clearly that he was calling off any plans for a federal deployment in San Francisco,” Lurie said in a statement Thursday. “Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem reaffirmed that direction in our conversation this morning.”

Nvidia declined to comment on Trump’s disclosure of Huang’s phone call.

Mayor Lurie, adopting a collaborative approach, has notably refrained from engaging in public disputes with the Trump administration, a contrast to other California officials like Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Governor Gavin Newsom.

In his public statements regarding the potential federal intervention, Lurie has emphasized the city’s positive momentum in business development and crime reduction, frequently referencing data that indicates San Francisco residents are optimistic about the city’s trajectory.

“We have work to do, and we would welcome continued partnerships with the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Attorney to get drugs and drug dealers off our streets, but having the military and militarized immigration enforcement in our city will hinder our recovery,” Lurie said.

The possibility of a National Guard deployment gained prominence when Benioff indicated initial support for federal intervention in an interview with the New York Times.

His sentiments were publicly supported by Elon Musk and David Sacks, high-profile techies with close ties to the Trump administration.

However, Benioff subsequently revised his stance on Friday, amid growing criticism.

“Having listened closely to my fellow San Franciscans and our local officials, and after the largest and safest Dreamforce in our history, I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco,” he posted on X.

A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent fires a non-lethal round at protesters as they clear a path for vehicles to enter Coast Guard Island on October 23, 2025 in Oakland, California. Federal agents have arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area for immigration operations.

Justin Sullivan | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Recent data suggest a positive shift in San Francisco.

Crime rates have decreased by 30% compared to 2024, homicide rates are at a 70-year low, and car break-ins are at levels not seen in 22 years.

Furthermore, event bookings and tourism are on the upswing, residential real estate is becoming increasingly scarce, and the office market is showing signs of revival. This economic resurgence is interwoven with the city’s position at the forefront of AI innovation. Experts highlight the significant influx of venture capital into San Francisco and Silicon Valley, specifically targeting AI-driven ventures. CBRE data forecasts that 2025 venture funding will surpass the 2021 record, fueled by robust AI investments in the region. This influx of capital is not just about technology; it’s about infrastructure, talent acquisition, and the creation of an ecosystem that fosters further innovation. However, some analysts caution that the AI boom could create new challenges related to wealth disparity and the potential displacement of workers in other sectors.

The interplay between political considerations, business sentiment, and technological advancements underscores the complexities of San Francisco’s ongoing revitalization. The tech sector’s influence on policy decisions is becoming increasingly prominent, highlighting the need for continued dialogue and strategic planning to ensure equitable and sustainable growth for the city.

Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/11485.html

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