Elon Musk recently supported Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s call for federal troops to be deployed in San Francisco. This statement amplifies President Trump’s ongoing push to deploy the National Guard in Democratic-led cities, marking a significant shift in the local dialogue around crime and public safety.
Federal Troops Debate in San Francisco
Musk expressed his views on social media, stating, “It’s the only solution at this point. Nothing else has or will work.” His comments were triggered by statistics shared by Thom Wolf, a former homeless resident focused on recovery advocacy. Wolf highlighted alarming data, indicating over 4,300 overdose deaths since 2020 and 90 kilograms of fentanyl seized in just the past year by the San Francisco Police Department.
Community Response to Fentanyl Crisis
In a survey conducted by the Voice of San Francisco in March 2025, 61% of respondents favored federal intervention to deport undocumented fentanyl dealers. When combined with those who “somewhat agree,” support reached 83%. Wolf remarked, “Pretty much 80% of San Francisco wants federal intervention on deporting drug dealers.” This sentiment reflects a deep frustration among residents regarding local policies and their perceived inefficacy.
- 4,300 overdose deaths since 2020
- 90 kilograms of fentanyl seized in the past year
- 61% support for federal intervention to deport dealers
- 83% support when including “somewhat agree” responses
Disputes Among Tech Leaders
Musk and Benioff have a history of disagreement, particularly regarding Proposition C, which imposed a tax on large corporations to support homelessness services. Musk has criticized this measure, deeming it harmful to the city’s economy, while Benioff has defended it as a commitment to vulnerable residents.
Recently, Benioff reiterated his belief in federal troop deployment to improve public safety, stating, “We don’t have enough cops, so if they can be cops, I’m all for it.” This prompted backlash from local officials, including District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who argued that such a move would embody “government-sponsored violence.”
Context of Crime Rates in San Francisco
Despite calls for federal intervention, San Francisco’s administration, led by Mayor Daniel Lurie, emphasized a notable decline in crime rates. Reports indicate a nearly 30% reduction in crime citywide, with violent crime down by 19% and property crime down by 25% in the first half of 2025 alone.
Public Safety Initiatives
Musk’s endorsement of troop deployment comes amid discussions of local policies and their effectiveness against the fentanyl epidemic. Mayor Lurie pointed out that while crime has decreased overall, the fentanyl crisis remains a pressing public health issue.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether federal troops will actually be sent to San Francisco. Previous attempts to deploy federal forces in other cities have faced legal challenges, raising questions about compliance with the Posse Comitatus Act.
