Salesforce CEO defends supporting Trump: 'We are turning the page'
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff defended his support for President-elect Trump, saying it's only appropriate to want the president to succeed.
Though Benioff did not publicly say who he voted for, he told the San Francisco Chronicle that he believes it is important to stand behind whoever wins the election.
"I feel that when we elect a new politician we have to absolutely support them — this is our president now," Benioff said Monday. "This is a moment where we are turning the page. … It’s an opportunity for a new chapter."
Benioff emphasized that "we continue to be great leaders in the world" and thinks "it’s only appropriate to want our president to be successful."
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Though he’s optimistic about Trump’s prospects, Benioff previously supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and has advocated for progressive policies, such as raising taxes on big businesses. He added how his company will pay to move employees if they feel threatened by "whatever their political situation is."
In light of Trump’s win, though, he showed interest in SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, whom he called "the Edison of our era," getting involved in efforts to cut government spending.
"If I did have one political position I did articulate, I would say (strong fiscal responsibility) is extremely important," Benioff said. "I feel that has to become a bipartisan issue."
"We are the center of what is probably going to be the greatest revolution in our lifetime," he said. "We should all be very excited about the future of our city."
"I think few countries are as well positioned for the future as the United States," Benioff added. "Other countries wonder how they can be as great a country as we are."
Benioff has largely stayed away from making political endorsements since purchasing Time Magazine in 2018. However, he has remarked on political issues on X.
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In October, he called out Vice President Kamala Harris for refusing to give an interview with Time Magazine despite the publication giving her a cover story. Benioff pointed out that President Biden and Trump had both been willing to give interviews in the past.
"Despite multiple requests, Time has not been granted an interview with Kamala Harris — unlike every other Presidential candidate," Benioff wrote on X. "We believe in transparency and publish each interview in full. Why isn’t the Vice President engaging with the public on the same level?"