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Kara Swisher to Marc Benioff: “Give the Money Away and Keep Your Mouth Shut.”

October 17, 2025 / 01:10

This episode discusses Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff's recent comments about sending National Guard troops to San Francisco, his clarification on social media, and the backlash he faced.

Mark Benioff's remarks in the New York Times sparked controversy as he suggested a need for increased safety measures in San Francisco. He later attempted to clarify his stance on X, emphasizing that safety is primarily the responsibility of city and state leaders.

The conversation critiques Benioff's comments, with strong opinions expressed about his perceived victim mentality and the implications of his wealth on his public statements. The host argues that charitable giving should not exempt individuals from accountability.

Listeners hear about the context of Benioff's visit to San Francisco, where he briefly encountered homelessness and compared the city to Washington, D.C. The discussion highlights the complexities of urban safety and the role of wealthy individuals in public discourse.

Overall, the episode reflects on the intersection of philanthropy, public safety, and the responsibilities of influential figures in society.

TLDR

Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff faces backlash for comments on National Guard in San Francisco and his perceived victim mentality.

Episode

1:10

00:00:00

Salesforce CEO Mark Benoff appears to be sort of walking back his recent comments

00:00:04

in the New York Times where he called for President Trump to send National Guard troops to San Francisco. Benoff

00:00:09

tried to clarify his remarks in a post on X saying safety is quote first and foremost the responsibility of our city

00:00:14

and state leaders. I have a lot to say about this for Mark to weigh in like this uh and then saying we have to be

00:00:20

nice to him because he gives a lot of money away. Like you give the money away and shut up Mark. I'm sorry. If you want

00:00:25

to be charitable like Mackenzie Bezos, keep your mouth shut about it. you don't need to be thanked and you don't get a

00:00:31

pass over saying something like this to bring in police the National Guard to San Francisco. He never is there. I and

00:00:39

I know a little bit about what happened in here. He was in downtown San Francisco for 2 seconds. Was in a bad

00:00:45

part of it. Saw some homeless and then compared it to Washington. There's no question San Francisco had a real

00:00:51

downturn, but it is on the upturn. I like Mark. I I wasn't surprised by it, but it's really incredibly unhelpful.

00:00:59

And for you to act like a victim and then demand feelalty because you give money away, I'd rather you not give the

00:01:04

money away and keep your mouth shut.

Episode Highlights

Mark Benoff's Controversial Comments
Salesforce CEO Mark Benoff calls for National Guard troops in San Francisco, sparking backlash.
“Safety is first and foremost the responsibility of our city and state leaders.”
@ 00m 10s
October 17, 2025

Episode Quotes

Safety is first and foremost the responsibility of our city and state leaders.
Kara Swisher to Marc Benioff: “Give the Money Away and Keep Your Mouth Shut.”
You give the money away and shut up, Mark.
Kara Swisher to Marc Benioff: “Give the Money Away and Keep Your Mouth Shut.”
I'd rather you not give the money away and keep your mouth shut.
Kara Swisher to Marc Benioff: “Give the Money Away and Keep Your Mouth Shut.”

Key Moments

Clarification Attempt00:02
Backlash Begins00:21
Frustration Peaks01:04