Trump says tech leaders and the mayor have changed his mind about powering San Francisco

San Francisco (AP) – President Donald Trump is set for a show of federal force in San Francisco, a city that has exploded as everything wrong with liberalism. Then conversations with some of the Bay Area’s most prominent tech leaders and the Mayor changed his mind.

“I got a big phone call from incredible people, some of my friends, very successful people,” said Trump told reporters Huang e White at Nvidia, one of the most important companies in the world, and Marc Benioff, CEO of the Software Company Salesforce.

He said they told him that San Francisco was working hard to reduce crime. “So we’re screwing up that operation, everybody. And we’re going to let them see if they can do it,” Trump said. He said he might change his mind if he “doesn’t work.”

Trump said the increased power in the rally was planned for Saturday. He did not specify whether he was only referring to the national guard forces, which he had threatened to send to, or whether he would also stop the road that might exist by working in other countries. US soldiers and border protection agents arrived at a US Army base near the city on Thursday morning, drawing in protesters.

How to be careful with Trump

The reach of the Chillionaire CEOS apparently contributed to the anti-retaliation Trump gave the democratically-led city. But Trump also included Mayor Daniel Lurie, who has worked to avoid direct confrontation with the Republican president since both took office in January. Lurie has reigned as San Francisco’s loyal and relentless cheerleader, and has repeatedly refused to weigh in on national politics or mention Trump’s name.

Instead, he focused on local issues — public safety, taking a closer look at the recovery business and reversing the city’s decline. When Trump said earlier this week that he would send the National Guard to San Francisco to crack down on crime, Lurie noted low crime and low traffic violations.

“I told the mayor, I love what you do, I respect you, and I respect the people who do it,” Trump said, referring to a phone call the two had on Wednesday.

Heir to the Levi Strauss Fortune and anti-Ferance Philanthropist, Lurie is a centrist Democrat who never held office until last November’s election. He did not mention any other political ambitions than improving the city and said that he will work with anyone who wants to do the same.

“I told him the same thing I told our citizens,” Lurie said at a Thursday afternoon news conference to address his President. “San Francisco is on the rise. Tourists are coming back, properties are being leased and bought, and workers are returning to the office.”

Lurie said he told Trump that he welcomes “continued cooperation” with the Drug Enforcement Agency and other federal authorities to determine the number of drug dealers. Fentanyl has been a big hit on city streets.

“But having a war and enforcing immigration law in our city will hinder our recovery,” Lurie said.

City responds with praise and skepticism

Former Speaker of the United States, Nancy Pelosi, a San Francisco Democrat, praised Lurie on social media, saying he “showed exceptional leadership.” Steve Kerr, the coach of the Golden State Warriors’ Office of Coaches, called him “absolutely” a star “who is responsible for the good things that are happening in San Francisco.

Office of the California Gov. Gavin Newlom, former Mayor of San Francisco, said, “Trump, in the end, because, listen to the reason.” New Newloom, who has repeatedly married Trump, especially after Trump transferred the California state guard to Los Angeles against New Newloom’s wishes.

But some doubt Trump will keep his word. Indeed, Trump said he was giving Lurie “a chance” to turn things around and said the federal government could “take on criminals” very quickly.

“We can’t trust Trump,” said San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, a left-leaning progressive who has a good working relationship with the mayor.

San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder, who also has more political power than Lurie, said in a statement that he agreed with Lurie’s desire to consolidate more federal law enforcement, saying it was “a dangerous invitation to fascist administration.”

CEOs appeal

Trump said he received “four or five phone calls” from business leaders urging him not to send in the force and let city leaders continue working to reduce crime.

“They’re the biggest people in the world, the biggest technology,” the White House insider said. “They wanted to do it. I said, ‘I’m very honored to let you do it. And if it doesn’t work, we’ll do it for you as soon as possible.'”

Benioff of Salesforce, also a part-time owner, told the New York Times earlier this month that he would welcome an army of hackers to help fight crime before his big business conference. He immediately confronted Backlash and apologized, saying the troops were unnecessary. He confirmed that he had pressured an associate to speak with Trump but did not provide further details. Nvidia declined to comment.

When announcing his decision to bring back the settlement, Trump did not mention other cities in the Bay Area, including Oakland, where he threatened to send in federal troops.

Some Democrats are also taking a neutral approach to Trump and avoiding his focus as he takes on vigilante forces across the country. He is not, for example, focused on Detroit despite criticism of the city. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has tried to engage with Trump including visiting the White House.

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Associated Press reporter Mike Liedtke contributed.