Jensen Huang’s Influence: How Tech Leaders Convinced Trump to Halt Federal ‘Surge’ in San Francisco

Jensen Huang and Marc Benioff: Tech Titans Step into Urban Policy

On October 23, 2025, the city of San Francisco found itself at the heart of a national debate, not just about law enforcement, but about the power wielded by its technology elite. President Donald Trump, who had publicly signaled his intention to deploy federal forces to the city in response to concerns over crime and public safety, abruptly reversed course after a series of high-profile phone calls. Among those who reached out: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump explained his change of heart: “Great people like Jensen Huang, Marc Benioff, and others have called saying that the future of San Francisco is great. They want to give it a ‘shot.’ Therefore, we will not surge San Francisco on Saturday. Stay tuned!” (Business Insider, CNBC).

Behind the Scenes: The Power of a Phone Call

The episode began with mounting speculation that Trump would send federal law enforcement—potentially including the National Guard—into San Francisco. The move was framed as a response to persistent crime rates and concerns about public order. Yet, as the plan gathered steam, so did resistance, and not just from local officials or activists. Instead, some of the city’s most prominent business leaders took action, opting for direct engagement with the White House.

Jensen Huang, who has become an increasingly visible champion of San Francisco in recent years, reportedly joined Benioff in urging the president to reconsider. The pair, both billionaires with deep stakes in the city’s tech-driven economy, argued for patience and faith in local leadership. Huang, notably, has invested heavily in the city, purchasing additional office space for Nvidia and supporting institutions like the California College of Arts. Benioff, meanwhile, has a history of public commentary on city safety, at times advocating for federal intervention—though he ultimately reversed his position after significant backlash from peers and the community (SF Standard, QZ).

San Francisco at a Crossroads: Crime, Recovery, and the Politics of Safety

San Francisco’s mayor, Daniel Lurie, also played a central role in the unfolding drama. Lurie, a moderate Democrat, spoke with Trump directly and emphasized the city’s recent progress. Crime rates have dropped 30% compared to the previous year, homicides are at a 70-year low, and car break-ins have fallen to levels not seen in over two decades. Event bookings and tourism are rebounding, fueled in large part by the AI boom and growing business momentum (CNBC).

In his statement, Lurie welcomed partnerships with federal agencies for targeted efforts, such as combatting drug trafficking, but he stressed that a military-style intervention would hinder the city’s recovery. “Having the military and militarized immigration enforcement in our city will hinder our recovery,” Lurie noted, underscoring a preference for collaboration rather than confrontation.

The backdrop to all this is a city in transition, with tech companies like Nvidia and Salesforce central to its economic vitality. Venture funding in 2025 is projected to surpass previous records, AI investments are reshaping the landscape, and office demand is surging. Yet, public perception remains divided, and the specter of federal intervention raised questions about the balance between local autonomy and national oversight.

Tech Executives and Political Influence: A New Era?

The involvement of Jensen Huang and Marc Benioff in the political process is emblematic of a broader trend: the increasing influence of technology leaders on urban policy and national decision-making. Huang, whose relationship with Trump has strengthened over the years—including a joint trip to Saudi Arabia—has managed to position Nvidia at the intersection of business and government. Earlier this year, Nvidia secured a deal with the Trump administration that allows the export of its chips to China, with a portion of revenue flowing to the U.S. government (QZ).

Benioff’s journey is equally complex. Initially supportive of federal intervention, he faced swift criticism from fellow billionaires and philanthropists, leading to a public apology and a recalibration of his stance. His earlier comments, made out of caution around the large Dreamforce conference, sparked community concern and even prompted the resignation of VC Ron Conway from the Salesforce Foundation’s board. Ultimately, Benioff’s reversal reflected the city’s prevailing sentiment: federal troops were not the solution.

For Huang, the episode marked another chapter in his advocacy for San Francisco. His investments and public support have helped stabilize key institutions and signaled confidence in the city’s future. By joining Benioff in reaching out to Trump, Huang demonstrated a commitment not just to business interests, but to the broader civic fabric.

Local Voices and National Implications

While Huang and Benioff played pivotal roles, they were not alone. Other influential San Franciscans, including former ambassador Trevor Traina and even Fox News personalities, weighed in, urging restraint and highlighting local progress. The debate extended beyond city limits, touching on national issues of federal authority, urban recovery, and the limits of military involvement in domestic affairs.

San Francisco’s recent trajectory, with falling crime and economic resurgence, provided ammunition for those advocating a more measured approach. The city’s leaders, backed by business heavyweights, made the case that intervention would be counterproductive. The White House listened, and—for now—opted for caution.

Jensen Huang’s Legacy: Business, Politics, and Civic Engagement

Jensen Huang’s role in this episode highlights a shift in how tech leaders engage with policy. No longer confined to boardrooms and product launches, figures like Huang are increasingly stepping into the public arena, leveraging their influence to shape outcomes that extend beyond their companies. Whether through direct investment, philanthropic support, or political advocacy, their reach is undeniable.

As San Francisco continues its recovery, the city’s relationship with its tech elite will likely remain central. The episode serves as a reminder that in today’s America, the boundaries between business, government, and community are increasingly porous. The actions of a few well-placed individuals can alter the course of policy—not just for a city, but for the nation.

The decisive intervention by Jensen Huang and Marc Benioff in halting the federal ‘surge’ underscores a new paradigm in urban governance, where business leaders’ voices carry weight equal to that of elected officials. Their advocacy for patience and local autonomy not only shaped the immediate outcome for San Francisco, but also signaled the rising influence of tech executives in shaping national policy debates.